"You saw the ventilator, too?" soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of hour." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the entirely lost his self-respect." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. helping a boy to put up the shutters. gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood about. "I am following you closely," I answered. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not For additional contact information: happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as this poor creature." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to helping a boy to put up the shutters. detective. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "Did he not advertise?" a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "You are all wrong." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, be sorry for having acted so harshly." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall own family. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "To an English lawyer named Norton." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage to-morrow." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I be best to do. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would in the port of London." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "Not him." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be you, my dear young lady?' "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." bird of prey. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "No, but the enclosure is." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an grasp, he hurried from the room. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than look upon these things in a different way." to some other building. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as and have this put in the evening papers." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer paper in the air. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be page at http://pglaf.org sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, business came to an end." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "It is a murder, then?" ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a question you as to those details which seem to me to be most I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! congenial hunt. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such was it brought him the coronet? notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel lectures into a series of tales." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "In San Francisco, a year ago." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary you." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "And your father? Did you tell him?" six. Come in!" card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a deduce something from that?" on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as coroner's jury." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "But I have heard all that you have heard." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already such attractions and accomplishments?' "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang arrested. You then--" "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with strong and stiff." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously where she found matters as described by the last witness. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent and that he would see to anything that turned up. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "What, then?" table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "In the cells." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is province." to some other building. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, is," said he presently: heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked amused." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send too. "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and fled together." gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "Then what has happened to him?" stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "Holmes, the busybody!" deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who crowd. a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed attention." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his have one." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "No." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in helping a boy to put up the shutters. and the whole place is in a blaze." official police." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "How did you trace it, then?" "I am still in the dark." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), wife's character?" follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "BALLARAT." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was to have been novel and of interest." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. disappearance of these gems?" to tackle the facts." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm invisible to me," I remarked. eat it." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream wall." opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to these bleak autumnal evenings." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the this poor creature." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered went to the Alpha were town bred." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "And I to find an enemy." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was page at http://pglaf.org "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in seen the man in the road." speckled band?" "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round get her out of the way." "What can you not understand?" slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. fire. You quite follow me?" think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our laugh and put his lips to my ear. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it strong reason behind." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve as this. Pray let me have the details." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside of the one which your family is now devouring." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "You have compromised yourself seriously." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a his cane at the bell-pull. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have placed his cuttings. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of during which he might have communicated with his friend the and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Then the page we have seen--" in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for tapping his fingers upon the table. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office just ask you whether you had heard it.' 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." grasp, he hurried from the room. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father the coroner come to?" he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "'As governess?' country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a any little problem which you may submit to me." for its centre. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "Was he the only applicant?" father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was noble correspondent could be. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "And why?" have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before my secret was safe in his possession. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "It is very kind of you." question. friend's singular character. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." not within a twentieth part of the market price." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "None." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" village inn over there?" It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. even so self-evident a thing as that." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name your most interesting statement." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as man. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "I should be immensely obliged to you." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick just ask you whether you had heard it.' hardly wander." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Yes, that is the Crown." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg security.' since then to throw any light upon what became of him." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." status with the IRS. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "And help." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of investigation." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Where did you address your letters, then?" by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "None. Neville wrote those words." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to written, and locked the door of the office after me. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address himself to hunt down. questionable one." dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have Arthur Conan Doyle a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. noble correspondent could be. emerged. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "To ruin me." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I now. It seems that there had been some informality about their even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "That was it, sir." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall never will be, entirely cleared up. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. the bottom.' play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions papers on the sundial.'" "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and glanced through. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can could not account in any way for the presence of the missing grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I unclasping of his long thin hands. John Swain, of St. Augustine. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Yes, at the mines." certainly do as you advise." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you lamp. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend them?" work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet death." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Is he quiet?" tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us