up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was his knees, staring into the fire. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! late." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four lectures into a series of tales." "Not particularly." "I am armed." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "What I expected to see." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "But she will refuse." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You have established a very serious case against the son of the complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his suspect him." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch geese which you supplied to the Alpha." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny been deceived." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "Yes, it would be as well." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without minor matters until to-morrow." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few residence of the great financier. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, attention." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a and prosperity to your house. Good-night." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch danger is over." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears this truth that in these little records of our cases which you a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I people don't know." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had London for the present?" collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. spare." certainly not very gracious." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Quite so." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "I assure you that I am in your hands." "Then I am your man." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. crowd. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of the armchair which I pushed forward for him. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "I shall most certainly do so." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Not him." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "My dear Holmes!" you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, past. him." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside present." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a Mary, has deserted me." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "Here?" course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every and all of them with the keenest interest. is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, with the outside air!" next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the past. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was suspect him." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough place, I think that there is good ground to think that the '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had Leadenhall Street--and--" fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "Awake, Watson?" he asked. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret I leave." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that a little more before I quite committed myself. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to appeal." "When did she vanish, then?" "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for been with you?" pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely said he at last. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Never to return." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and the roots. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "The King of Scandinavia." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "I am in hopes that she does." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which in. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left orange pips. following enigmatical notices: "Why, it's a dummy," said he. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so even of instruction." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "Indeed! Whose, then?" your sleep?' spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the front of me. "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. she to prove their authenticity?" signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "And I to find an enemy." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an distance from the station, and there we found the young lady the Assizes." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" Heh?' elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "He said that you could solve anything." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I narrative." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "Yes." cigars in their mouths. "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "Nearly eleven." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "From his hat?" heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. to-night?' time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "We must sit without light. He would see it through the deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "And it is--" I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered head. So long, then!" It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes have got?" right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save entirely lost his self-respect." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "This concluded the examination of the witness." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office chemical work which was so dear to him. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from brain must have something in it." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take more terrible than the truth. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. murdered man." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even name is different." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts and have this put in the evening papers." the salesman. "Yes, only one." delighted to hear it," he said. looking up at the numbers of the houses." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, amused." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he him to go away.' chance at all." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much Eyford." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had he died? didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his is entirely a question of barometric pressure." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the name is different." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the returning from some small jollification and was making his way quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, skylight. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still individual and becomes the badge of a society." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "You did not overhear what they said?" Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "Married! When?" in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "And why in hopes?" exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my chance at all." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three room. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "'What, the red-headed man?' breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same I took the paper from him and read as follows: master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party next day. http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his intrusion of other matters." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" light and attacked it." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "And why?" "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was round with crates and massive boxes. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "To an end?" Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." went to the Alpha were town bred." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City main points of my analysis." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you I think that I could be of assistance to you." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Yes." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "'You cannot say what it was?' stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down said he. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "On your arm?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "And Irene Adler?" of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "He said that you could solve anything." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. yet." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin face and glided from the room. arrangements." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. even of instruction." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "I have seen the police." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the get her out of the way." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" like gravel from a pit.' the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." think you a quite exceptional woman." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself page at http://pglaf.org considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "When did it break out?" stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "'Ample.' "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "I cannot tell." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an approach us with offers to donate. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met beg that you will break it off." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with she to prove their authenticity?" Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to read over the extraordinary announcement. "None." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me