"It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "'In my own bureau.' "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy important." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London have had none more fantastic than this." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare papers must be those that are destroyed.' "He is dead," cried several voices. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the trying to your nerves." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "Not particularly." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He look dissatisfied." "Then you may be so with me." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an future lives." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in It may be so in this case, also." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know matter." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." is a common subject for conversation. hurried away. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Very murderous indeed." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between I was concerned in it." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "VIOLET HUNTER." "But it has twice been burgled." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press in his power. breakfast?" "'As governess?' "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves the one as in the other." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She could gather together that I was able to avert another public "And that is--" 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "I have hopes." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate Literary Archive Foundation "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and the inner apartment." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a foot. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "At what time?" happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one 'I should be able to look after that for you.' to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "His face fell immediately. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "That is not always so easy." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "'Quite sure, dad.' peculiar to him. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps own family. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" official police." his fortune, and I went back to pa. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in events than those which have happened in my own family." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "No, but the enclosure is." room. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Upon what point?" "Tired-looking or fresh?" "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened along the entire front of the house, with three long windows was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk the stones. "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination upon a handsome competence. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in status with the IRS. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "My opinion is in no way altered." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether upon the white wrist. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the good for you to do.' cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a fire. You quite follow me?" King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his have had none more fantastic than this." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' have one." interest. They are important, you understand, without being feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while hand, madam?" my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "Come in!" said Holmes. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian second." "You think that he is dead?" "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending place of silver." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "Here?" however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this Holmes' room. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his I shall communicate with you." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Two days later this same performance was gone through under engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, question," said Holmes, smiling. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." from you?" brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties The events in question occurred in the early days of my hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. horse could go." already been minutely examined." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child said he, "my real name is James Ryder." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave was feeling which was the fattest.' "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. too. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the went to the Alpha were town bred." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, said he. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "I am armed." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose this unhappy family?" world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "None." "But how did you gain them?" "I think that I had better go, Holmes." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "My dear Holmes!" sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! was it brought him the coronet? been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, gigantic client. a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice your only hope of safety." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "You are all wrong." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "I am to be neutral?" he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at everything which you would wish to know." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set asked with his eyes open. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the this poor creature." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "A call for help, you thought?" "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat of the one which your family is now devouring." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, look upon these things in a different way." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid shoulder; "he's all right." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he writer." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me 1.E.9. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very once more. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "'Never,' said I. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "My last client of the sort was a king." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** she slowly sank and died without having recovered her half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders himself to tell his story. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent Countess of Morcar's?" rooms." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my there were one or two details which were new to me. But the Arthur Conan Doyle red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet dates and names. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." Where does the thing come from?' "It is possible." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "Precisely." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual think you a quite exceptional woman." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that 'please.'" it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "That is it on the dressing-table." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I both be extremely obliged.' "And the murderer?" noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed beg that you will break it off." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door your troubles." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and crowd. "Has he come with you to-night?" the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the should be taken.' ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" existence." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just digesting their breakfasts at home." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "My dear Holmes!" "Awake, Watson?" he asked. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to without a word or a look. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she Again Holmes raved in the air. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your present." politicians who had been sent down from the North. and inquire as to the address." there was no need for father to know." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "'You doubt its value?' he asked. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many that you wished to speak to me?' of campaign. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but public press." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "No." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "And why in hopes?" morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "Well?" "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back official police." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' brain must have something in it." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the present." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "It is possible." Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' of." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. against a man in the prime of life?" frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of