up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first in this way: me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a hurried by. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "Then you may entirely rely on me." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "'What do you call purely nominal?' since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back in the port of London." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "Ah, but I was recommended to you." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were gbnewby@pglaf.org seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "A confidential servant?" Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one is so. I know all about McCarthy." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should outsides of the windows. jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did companion. "I am to be neutral?" window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the do.' over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been knowledge of the world." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. the running down." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. to take care of herself." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the gives a meaning to it." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means with her." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Was there a secret marriage?" "And you can do nothing until then?" a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "Not I." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the writing, and yet I know it well." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." was used.' the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to I held the little printed slip to the light. nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small License. You must require such a user to return or "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "Pray do so." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "I see no marks." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "I was afraid that you were engaged." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "I guessed as much." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "Yes, the wine-cellar." Countess of Morcar's?" attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is before the coroner and the police-court." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a brought there to personate someone, and the real person is rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "'And the work?' bare slabs of marble. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. thirty. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "One horse?" interjected Holmes. the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "And how have you succeeded?" up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, would then never go into court at all." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he purpose equally well?" nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "And the cigar-holder?" week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one tear off another piece?' safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "'Stolen!' he cried. side. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "And your mother is alive?" how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers delirious. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which morning." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "How did you deduce the select?" shoulder; "he's all right." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, recover the gem." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "So I am. Very much so." "The Cedars?" for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I to some other building. Does that suggest anything?" "'Yes, I promise.' fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Where did you address your letters, then?" Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had I think that I could be of assistance to you." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it brought there to personate someone, and the real person is flock.' himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." six. Come in!" glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "What! Had he lost his wife?" "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard prepare for the new role I have to play." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "Did he not advertise?" "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she Pool. someone who had been in Australia." it. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "But I am all in the dark." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, morning." "Could he throw no light?" chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Look there!" said he. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the cost them two and thirty pounds." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will least a most suspicious remark." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where then?" "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "'A dozen yards or so.' "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "What I expected to see." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "This photograph!" At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then dates and names. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of thin legs towards the fire. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "One of the highest in England." "Breckinridge is his name." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder brought there to personate someone, and the real person is been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, within hail.' "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through his face. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" posted to-day." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my a little more before I quite committed myself. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been rooms." him. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "And why?" My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his into the room. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty your billet.' homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon Sholtos." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of examination of the premises, but without finding anything which problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "'Never.' adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest giving me time to thank him. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "I never have." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you and files of the old papers, following the future career of every own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "Have you her photograph?" "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate that I can to serve you." "None. Neville wrote those words." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. chance at all." quick march!" "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. the little opening for the ventilator is." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. the so-precious time, but come!' scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you that you can jump it.' received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in chill to my heart. Pope's Court. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a posted to-day." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" that before taking the final step I should like to submit the few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You one's self under obligations.' a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "I will not look." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and Eyford at 11:15.' carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "Of Friday, June 19th." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "I cannot tell." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and with her." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are hands. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in to change my dress. the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That thin legs towards the fire. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing over with notes and figures. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the and the whole place is in a blaze." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "I am following you closely," I answered. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "Where, then?" a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Then I can wait in the next room." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, noting anything else of interest. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "'Most admirably.' eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "That also I could fathom." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking affair. is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us tell him that I know him to be innocent." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between