villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of should be taken.' "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither all?" His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a mysterious business." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "Yes." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. placed his cuttings. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that success. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, telegram would bring me down to your help." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' hour." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to looking up at the numbers of the houses." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "But his left-handedness." "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we fled together." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. during which he might have communicated with his friend the "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and the bottom.' there when the Rucastles went away." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, bill, which interests me deeply." your equipment. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the to change my dress. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "It was a confession," I ejaculated. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could now. It seems that there had been some informality about their of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was I was concerned in it." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. and effective." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "'Very good.' office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a desk. "Then he might have called to you?" wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project forbidden door. "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "But of what society?" so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a you for a few hours?" Holmes rather sternly. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the only touch the interest." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "Not particularly." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part your bag." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we husband's writing, madam." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "Very. But will he see it?" "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "'I shall certainly be there.' unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the business." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock in this way: "You have but to name it." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is ventilator." amused." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called DAMAGE. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "Well?" front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, what do you think they found in the pockets?" the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him some place of shelter and let the county police know what has they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for learned something! Where are the gems?" the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we look upon these things in a different way." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "None." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "But what harm can there be in that?" and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "At what time?" have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as yards of it?' unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness was already answered. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Now, then, what's the last entry?" professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his not fit the lock." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. populous neighbourhood." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his simple cases which are so extremely difficult." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to chambers. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was opened a pocket-book and took out a note. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give that you saw all that I did." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "ARAT," I read. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "But you have hopes?" SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "None." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "None." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Why, what do you mean?" wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the carried out of court." him to be an active member of the medical profession." way: Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "How did you trace it, then?" "Pray let us have it, for all that." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "I cannot tell." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came there in twenty minutes." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "Yes." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the me what he had done with the three missing stones. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "You have but to name it." "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as bird I ate is country bred." unprofitable." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of in the port of London." trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do said I. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there him to go away.' posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "Quite so." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "'Certainly not.' returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should spare." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, it. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "'I am sure if I had known--' speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or any." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as digesting their breakfasts at home." success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "And how?" and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any four million human beings all jostling each other within the drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you to-night's adventure." "'I am sure if I had known--' work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "It is true that I have been generally successful." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "I cannot think." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which and looked back. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "I have my revolver," said I. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were villagers almost as much as their master. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at to tell." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow father's place of business?" "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs train from Paddington which would bring you there at about madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon following enigmatical notices: few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Very much so." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right fat-encircled eyes. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you danger is over." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "Where to?" brandy and water within his reach. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been is a common subject for conversation. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "No." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "'And the work?' Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "'Where to?' Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in not use it unless it is absolutely needed." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the sake, don't!" Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business strong and stiff." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "Yes, it would be as well." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a address. I. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way writing, and yet I know it well." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, night.' said he. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' clanging. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, frequently gained my first real insight into the character of grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light know all about it," he snarled. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur case-book, which he consulted. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our shall use the carriage to-night." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what other, as fresh and trim as possible. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." to talk it over. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "What do you make of that, Watson?" this unhappy family?" permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. fashion which was peculiar to him. to miss it." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "I think it very unlikely." to his chemical studies. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, carriage. It was a chestnut." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "But how did you gain them?" "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and conceal it?" set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and with some details as to your case." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Yes, they were peculiar boots." outsides of the windows. us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and