his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "Yes, certainly." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of yourselves in at night?" "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "Nearly eleven." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise speckled band?" tension within him. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "If so, much may have happened between." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "That sounds a little paradoxical." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done approach us with offers to donate. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly of his shoulders. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in wife's character?" "So I have heard." Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for recall any case within my experience which looked at the first happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Married! When?" and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed me have 200 pounds?' what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a way in." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some answered with a sidelong glance. points to suicide?" agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, His smile broadened. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for indeed happy." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "'A dozen yards or so.' quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' populous neighbourhood." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew have accepted such a situation. "I promise," said Holmes. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "What! a murderous attack?" Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you furiously. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his locked." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Pray tell us what has happened to you." you." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus companion quietly. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk signal between you and your father? "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "Pray let us have it, for all that." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread the coroner come to?" "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the you." in a very precise fashion." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "Where did he live, then?" pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "And you can do nothing until then?" "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was someone who had been in Australia." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "Did you become engaged then?" then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "And who is her maid?" him!" upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I detained." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of vault. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other weary and pale-looking. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. maid will bring up your coffee." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "You think that he is dead?" carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which room?" detective. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. late." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "'Quite sure, dad.' stalked out of the room. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the desk. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "And your father? Did you tell him?" reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "I think that it is very probable." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already mysterious business." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where in the dead of the night?' over part of the map. "What do you read?" "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "What will you do, then?" parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his be.' former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very my special province." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or careless servant girl?" horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did enter into my head. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some asked with his eyes open. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, visitors." in this way: livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed yet." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to him nearly every evening." and that he would see to anything that turned up. you." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier relief. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. outsides of the windows. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long as yours." "And now?" He raised his hand. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of cause to be." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! pound a week." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be you." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "Yes." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "No more words. Get out!" "But not more so than I to find you." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "How did that help you?" Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ your bag." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which himself to hunt down. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "My opinion is in no way altered." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and like gravel from a pit.' that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a there is a decided draught." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious page at http://pglaf.org bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "How long did she speak to this Alice?" train.' "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and prepare for the new role I have to play." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his Stoke Moran." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their should be so warm over such a trifle." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more you." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, wall." cost them two and thirty pounds." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. are windows in it, of course?" detective. straightened it out again. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let one of them." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop asked. "Will you bet, then?" ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "I say it is." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess you understand?" more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad your co-operation." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my characteristics, but those are the more obvious." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable may have an influence upon European history." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds better in every way that they should make their position a little It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Is he quiet?" beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "But what will you do?" "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently 11:15.' laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." fashion which was peculiar to him. "It was." "A confidential servant?" strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he to a light-house. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform Eyford at 11:15.' corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply respectable self." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. call the police, let the police find what they can.' brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker or in danger--" settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, Serpentine Avenue. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in The summons was a brief and urgent one. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." have one." "Game for a morning drive?" until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it rat could hardly pass through." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "I am armed." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "You are certainly joking, Holmes." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon Sholtos." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up and the whole place is in a blaze." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "'Where could I find him?' estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "That is also quite modern," said the lady. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "You horrify me." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his overpowering excitement and concern. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "I have come for advice." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "We must sit without light. He would see it through the It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in cause to be." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You would apply.' "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he coat-tails." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was of receipt of the work. "One of his hands." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "That's no good." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "You think that he is dead?" more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "What will you do, then?" "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would bearing upon the case." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were prove to be little relation between the different incidents of signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered crime." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he them?" he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear advice." to you." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "And you don't know his address?" enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some nothing of it?" convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "You think that he is dead?" "Yes, I have one waiting." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he I leave." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. derbies." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "Do you receive much company?" he asked. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from thin legs towards the fire. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "Certainly." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried was already answered. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "A client, then?" of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the me have 200 pounds?' 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely