A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still with the outside air!" have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit and wait." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "One horse?" interjected Holmes. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried had a long day." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the was the fact that his father should, according to his account, shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society to Leatherhead. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "And it is--" "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; business in the City. She little knew what. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "'Never.' matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the and no precautions can guard against." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "By all means." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "That is unusual in a young girl." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The the stones. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, like gravel from a pit.' Project Gutenberg-tm works. his knees, staring into the fire. money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired 1.F. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their there were so many in the whole country as were brought together me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie made his money." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the It was close upon four before the door opened, and a into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I furiously. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "And now?" He raised his hand. have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official delighted to hear it," he said. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "What, then?" with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "I am about to be married." several quiet little villages up there." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for tear off another piece?' nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and night.' said he. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a electronic works "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey was already answered. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. Holmes." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Your presence might be invaluable." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few started for the Temple to see my husband. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "What will you say?" "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your take the flies, but not before." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault residence of the great financier. your co-operation." outside." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "What!" he roared. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "You have but to name it." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "That is also quite modern," said the lady. reach." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the brandy and water within his reach. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free his face. "But what harm can there be in that?" infinite languor in his face. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. my secret was safe in his possession. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a his fortune, and I went back to pa. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but astonishment. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "That is easily got." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my get her out of the way." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "Indeed! Whose, then?" "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men and wait." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the than to us. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of if I call to-morrow?" hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I morning." know all about it," he snarled. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low advice." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were ventilator." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out I. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive lips." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which orange pips. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow good for you to do.' ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. him nearly every evening." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "Nothing?" cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." constraint." works. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "No, my brougham is waiting." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "And your father? Did you tell him?" wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at will find little credit to be gained out of this case." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It Lestrade of Scotland Yard." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new It may be so in this case, also." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite heavily into it. return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "You'll never persuade me to believe that." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no I shall communicate with you." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "What do you mean?" been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' had this final quarrel? correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage be sorry for having acted so harshly." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "You horrify me." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "Awake, Watson?" he asked. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which Where does the thing come from?' "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "I never have." "Pray let us have it, for all that." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." been able to understand it, in a very few words. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: bearing upon the case." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" man. I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I salesman. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no ways of our fellow-men." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Your presence might be invaluable." "How did you deduce the select?" "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with his eyes and forehead. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the before, for it was considerably after midnight. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at clanging. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. the running down." "And I." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "How many? I don't know." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and God! What an exposure! What can I do?" wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. carried out of court." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "No sign of it?" were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we had this final quarrel? husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, there when the Rucastles went away." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "A call for help, you thought?" I nodded again. to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be Again Holmes raved in the air. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, fasten all the windows?" "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "The gentleman I describe." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would silent! Oh, he will be silent!' doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "There are none." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "And how?" general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. me where it went to?" I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that eat it." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever there were so many in the whole country as were brought together pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. one of them." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom