tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do voice. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the morning." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I until night should bring an explanation. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, anything to do with the matter?" pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the who was a member of your goose club." "Pray do so." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "Yes." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. quickly through a disagreeable task. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "'I shall certainly be there.' whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and has little to do with my story." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but his wife has ceased to love him." roused himself from his reverie. directors, with the result that you have seen." interests were the same as his." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "I say it is." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "What steps will you take?" I asked. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "We have tried and failed." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. she to prove their authenticity?" fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed shag which I had seen upon the previous night. word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "'Where to?' huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the bird I ate is country bred." mystery may be cleared along those lines." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch the matter?" the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. opportunities to fix the problem. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. my special province." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "My own seal." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "But you can know nothing of this?" transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a will find little credit to be gained out of this case." as yours." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Which are?" quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "A call for help, you thought?" your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical felt?" horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "You forget that I know nothing about it." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "I am still in the dark." "I see many objections to any such theory." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper carriage. It was a chestnut." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "I cannot imagine." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so a good hundred miles off by now." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "Why, it's a dummy," said he. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, did not hear it also.' "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." Arthur Conan Doyle certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "And that is--" to tackle the facts." his fortune, and I went back to pa. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's with the outside air!" and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "On Monday." could not have written that. It is the German who is so suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of letters?" for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked colonel looking down at me. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "My own seal." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be way in." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this wanted for ourselves." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "I am in hopes that she does." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "Then, as to money?" blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as purpose of examination. downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "Then I can wait in the next room." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that did not hear it also.' "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are photograph?" "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my pound a week." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Ha! you find it so?" "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. extraordinary contortions. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said spare." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your do." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. present." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand indiscretion." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell assist you in forming an opinion." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried tension within him. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy beg that you will break it off." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round During two years I have had three consultations and one small a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached been shamefully used." without a word or a look. any little problem which you may submit to me." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his the address that was given us in the advertisement. said I. "This photograph!" silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. unprofitable." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and carried out of court." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been to have been novel and of interest." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." if I call to-morrow?" that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish lost nothing by them." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. public press." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "Will you go?" overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the said Mr. Holder. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's what I may call a really hard day's work." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "But you have hopes?" observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is to some other building. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely instituted." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB dramatic, in fact." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. Again Holmes raved in the air. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 strode off upon his way. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable unprecedented a position." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but upon an income of about 60 pounds." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It good for you to do.' walking." "Your French gold?" I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been distinguish the words: time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if other, as fresh and trim as possible. maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "And from a noble client?" but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "It may not come to that," said Holmes. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One His smile broadened. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' as noiselessly as she had come. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed front of the hall door has given its name to the place. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, house for five minutes.' brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." of it with the greatest attention. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." what do you think they found in the pockets?" said Mr. Holder. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our triumphant cloud from his cigarette. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else guilty one." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small be.' access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then and effective." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he followed. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Yes." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He answered with a sidelong glance. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "No, but the enclosure is." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "'No, I know no one in these parts.' however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Where, then, is my wife?" at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a American. Then who could this American be, and why should he train.' lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, joking. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "By no means." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" right! Sit down and let us talk it over." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Nothing." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." such person." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or the loss of it. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the I am not easy in my mind about them." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "At half-wages, in fact." "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "No." to-night?" I asked. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to I was concerned in it." The events in question occurred in the early days of my known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "But he might be a bachelor." himself to tell his story. "To an English lawyer named Norton." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the just ask you whether you had heard it.' is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "Yes, sir." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "She will not sell." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from question. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "No legal papers or certificates?" "That also I could fathom." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly any more." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended very morning of my second wedding." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I was feeling which was the fattest.' other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." village inn over there?" appeal." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, eat it." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the cigars in their mouths. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the For additional contact information: door?" my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "Holmes, the busybody!" it with his own hands." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND