And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? geese which you supplied to the Alpha." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that power." beg that you will break it off." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the James Windibank. Voilà tout!" going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and there!' Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we once more to my work. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for meanly of me." me." "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "Seven!" I answered. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "Yes." were wasted." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "It is no ordinary one." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. relief. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the wedding?" the bed, and you in that chair." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his Sutherland?" "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Well." our word." Stoke Moran." southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot to affect your life." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "Thank you. And your address?" me. You must get home instantly and act." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers to a light-house. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" hurried away. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Whose house is it?" "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into that he has suffered." "He is dead," cried several voices. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such Edgeware Road. away into the river." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think thought that she would have been so carried away." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is front of me. outside." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were to-night?" I asked. "It is possible." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project looking up at the numbers of the houses." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now which I could not give. He asked for Alice. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, interested in these little problems, and since you are good your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest nights." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch in the hope of finding them." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "What shall I do?" house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "And Irene Adler?" donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and my former friend and companion. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you all that?" of it with the greatest attention. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That dates and names. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in room?" cigars in their mouths. know that the truth is known." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been mystery." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "Thank you. And your address?" attention." "'Yes, it was gone.' He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "To the police?" "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." was used.' old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose pictures, libraries, or plate. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly this truth that in these little records of our cases which you that you saw all that I did." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "So I have heard." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you opened a pocket-book and took out a note. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "It is half-past ten now." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left confronted him. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Was he the only applicant?" hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, plantation.' weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "It looks newer than the other things?" you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "You are hungry," I remarked. "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "I cannot imagine." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny indeed happy." furiously. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of is entirely a question of barometric pressure." carried out of court." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would once more. retorted upon me, and I on you." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part clang of the bell. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "It is true that I have been generally successful." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to fashion which was peculiar to him. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "Nothing." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "But what harm can there be in that?" she has been waylaid. There has been no result." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the window when the police appeared." he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down searched, without anything being found which could incriminate in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business things are very often connected not with the larger but with the reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has with frightened eyes at his accuser. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know nights." voice, changing her seat as requested. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we wanted for ourselves." "I do." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. spark where all is dark to me." the bed, and you in that chair." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford mysterious end." before, for it was considerably after midnight. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "The vanishing of the lady." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with Gutenberg-tm License. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of Again Holmes raved in the air. "You know me, then?" acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than out of this horrible affair." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me which are rolled in Rotterdam." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." with you?" classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from nonsense.' "No, thank goodness, she did not." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small crackling voice. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot gigantic client. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "No sign of it?" feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic manager. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "And why in hopes?" 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man round and wave him away like that.' of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in overpowering excitement and concern. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove fear." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner there in twenty minutes." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, point our research must commence, and we will begin it by Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall one of the states of the Union." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he cup of tea. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of your troubles." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than the very letters. But what is this written above them?' and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "It is his hat." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of Surrey." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp weighed down with some great anxiety. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." occurred." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that Mrs. Toller serenely. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "I am sure." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! were unconscious?" "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not about here speaks of his kindness to him." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side flock.' telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard promised to bring home. events, Mr. Windibank!" "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "I guessed as much." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it Lestrade of Scotland Yard." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and she used." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "And your mother is alive?" panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. the coronet at all injured?" one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, sooner or later she must fall a victim. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding narrative." is four-and-twenty." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "Yes, the wine-cellar." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? she used." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the about. "Why did you beat the pavement?" "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "'Not at all. I only doubt--' marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into my little problems." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "'Never,' said I. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the very old mansion. "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Yes, sir." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "Game for a morning drive?" round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found the iron safe, which he closed upon it. manager. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this absolutely follow my advice in every respect." he died? myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "What of the rat, then?" much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his were new raised from a basin. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy later, upon the night of May 2nd." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "How long did she speak to this Alice?" questionable one." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. I took the paper from him and read as follows: with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced get the tickets." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," been able to understand it, in a very few words. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?"