this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in are windows in it, of course?" he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "So I am. Very much so." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "You are hungry," I remarked. "Pray do so." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "And on what day did he meet his death?" problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. became a certainty. of the one which your family is now devouring." excitement. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all within hail.' reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, in his power. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael interested in these little problems, and since you are good his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin whatever might befall. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my habit of advancing money.' "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City photograph a cabinet?" of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled which it had come upon my father." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, any little problem which you may submit to me." "None." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "'Why that?' I asks. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "I cannot imagine." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been of the way of danger. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you window when the police appeared." I was concerned in it." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to kind enough to tell me what I should do." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I not interfere, come what may. You understand?" what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "No." is a common subject for conversation. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for companion imperturbably. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without that what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' to go into your room and bar your shutters?" precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been shaken than I had ever seen him. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress my room." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." You want to know what became of those geese?" make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, beg that you will break it off." the house with me." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried man. I know him from the photograph." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "'You doubt its value?' he asked. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "That sounds a little paradoxical." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Yes." leaning back in his chair. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent heavy and sharp instrument." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this in his power. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, tear off another piece?' They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your of receipt of the work. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable drove away. the morning and make my own way in the world.' had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was during that time.' "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "'Never,' said I. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "How did that help you?" "Absolutely?" considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again with you?" husband's writing, madam." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly fasten all the windows?" 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first carriage. It was a chestnut." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "Did he not advertise?" and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered to talk it over. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "Never to return." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "And why?" "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that happened." "'I shall certainly be there.' them?" heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been himself. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "No." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. before the coroner and the police-court." enough to aid us in our search." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "Stolen." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. was not a bird to be seen there. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "That is unusual in a young girl." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "Have you it here?" memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another flock.' would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your have been better. It is all right." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "Which are?" "Why? What do you mean?" common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "Then, as to money?" "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution been with you?" individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "Precisely so. But how--" shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent she has been waylaid. There has been no result." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly likely to be some crony of the landlady's." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a call for it in person on Monday morning.' near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "That also I could fathom." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael morning." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce conduct the inquiry." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "My own seal." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "Where, indeed?" will find little credit to be gained out of this case." and glanced through. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, such attractions and accomplishments?' "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "How many? I don't know." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our relation between them, and what the object of his repeated bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." situation." "But he might be a bachelor." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock presented which may be striking and bizarre without being signal between you and your father? "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "What then?" "Very. But will he see it?" you." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which sake, don't!" "Oh, the cause is excellent!" are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't tail." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "You think that he is dead?" In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "Ten will be early enough." business?" distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who maiden herself was most instructive." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their impression behind it as though a window had gently closed Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, chamber." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot closely." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. fear." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed sparkled upon his finger. fact, we may call it conclusive." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge garden below. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "Pray continue your narrative." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "I cannot say that I have." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "I cannot tell." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, McCarthy." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek himself. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Do you receive much company?" he asked. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "You have but to name it." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, that before taking the final step I should like to submit the from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and deduce something from that?" "You'll never persuade me to believe that." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Is he quiet?" How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "Yes, that is the Crown." fat-encircled eyes. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the call for it in person on Monday morning.' be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "'Which dealer's?' "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "That you are never beaten." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered occurred." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the cigars in their mouths. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to I shall communicate with you." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if pressing in one house as in another. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "Look there!" said he. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "So I heard. You have him here?" mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between II. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such do.' disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in to Leatherhead. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there ourselves in the office." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "Will you bet, then?" "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." the little opening for the ventilator is." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "It is possible." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your lectures into a series of tales." written. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "I promise," said Holmes. America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so