against a man in the prime of life?" "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one down from London to inquire more deeply into it." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "Did you become engaged then?" my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our point our research must commence, and we will begin it by caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day use an arc-and-compass breastpin." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning papers diligently of late, have you not?" the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "By all means." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. there in twenty minutes." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the shoulder; "he's all right." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit was lame." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "No, I had a dozen." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "Yes." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "You have carte blanche." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." approach us with offers to donate. bill, which interests me deeply." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, stammered. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel fat-encircled eyes. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have and put his glass in his pocket. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "When did it break out?" the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "Why did you pick him?" "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On in this way: There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "Now, then, what's the last entry?" as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every writing, and yet I know it well." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old copied or distributed: side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "'What, the red-headed man?' a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "But your client--" "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed we went to search for him, face downward in a little law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Ten will be early enough." imbecility!" he cried. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old not personally threatened." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "I will try. What is it?" simple cases which are so extremely difficult." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, money should be paid at once.' helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had investigation." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then down. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "This concluded the examination of the witness." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free be. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very the Assizes." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others intrusion of other matters." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "But he might be a bachelor." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "Not particularly." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "If so, much may have happened between." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "What! Had he lost his wife?" platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "What do you make of that, Watson?" "What have you to say now?" observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to my secret was safe in his possession. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the answered with a sidelong glance. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible is," said he presently: blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "'Stolen!' he cried. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he begin with, and I had not got mine yet." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "That was it, sir." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "It is true that I have been generally successful." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my you, my dear young lady?' "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next forbidden door. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission a very grave face. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." tail." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are conduct the inquiry." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my indeed happy." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, good-night and bustled off upon her way. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly The note was undated, and without either signature or address. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, late!' "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the companion. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but opened a pocket-book and took out a note. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must of it with the greatest attention. "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "'I have heard so.' scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our said he at last. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. which are rolled in Rotterdam." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "What! a murderous attack?" answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, sneer upon his pale face. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "And how in the world did you find them?" heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know fattened it expressly for you.' seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I singular points about the case. What did the police think of the came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "'Yes, sir.' What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right narrative." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he instincts rose up against that laugh. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As was already answered. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, forecastle of an emigrant ship. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "What can it mean?" I gasped. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At you understand?" and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, roused himself from his reverie. moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls examine." "The landlord of the Alpha." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "This photograph!" rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who stood on the top of it. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. the coroner come to?" I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "My photograph." "BALLARAT." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case your troubles." "You are hungry," I remarked. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend himself to tell his story. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce begun to whiten, even as mine has." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, one which it was hard to resist. be. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear very morning of my second wedding." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than It may be so in this case, also." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in and the whole place is in a blaze." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "'Stolen!' he cried. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last the ceiling. "Yes." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is been shamefully used." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' Project Gutenberg-tm works. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess of Fenchurch Street." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" stammered. anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "And I say east," said my patient. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you so.' "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the begin with, and I had not got mine yet." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the the dangers which encompass me." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "'I have heard so.' heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE it? Did I buy the geese off you?" returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "No?" "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of information in his hands the value of which he did not himself certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked sound at heart." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Entirely." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. what is your own theory as to what took place?" fat-encircled eyes. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of from the brougham. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, Munro.' "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her