upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to village inn over there?" "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, you." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would at home. questioning and rather startled gaze. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. the coronet in his hand?" you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "This photograph!" prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this present." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can attention." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very outbreak?" Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Do you know him?" "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution south, for the country is more deserted there." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better taking in every detail of the apartment. always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of done what I asked you, Jones?" "You are certainly joking, Holmes." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and ceremony." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Then I shall certainly come." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might good-night and bustled off upon her way. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "And now?" He raised his hand. Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him and inquire as to the address." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith that he has suffered." he died? photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain For additional contact information: the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, bed dies. Does not that strike you?" up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a it. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "I have hopes." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then locked." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon our word." who was a member of your goose club." "Ha! you find it so?" was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "But what is it you wish?" hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he ceremony." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "I see no marks." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague jewels which you have stolen?' shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him beyond words. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs closely." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "My dear Holmes!" "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and note?" the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him seem to you to be relevant or not." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "It was a confession," I ejaculated. though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "I was mad--insane." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. and laid it on the table. and capable of preserving a secret.' that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." to that open window." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark empty. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Perfectly so." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "Yes, I have one waiting." hour?' on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Here?" dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to means taking possession of that which another person has a prior importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "I see no marks." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no noting anything else of interest. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that together. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, this Miss Turner." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "Not yet." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Certainly." dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. from the brougham. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I words came to my lips. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "'Then let me do so?' I took the paper from him and read as follows: there is a decided draught." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite once more. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the been lifted and conveyed somewhere." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went correct than the official force." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be in his hands." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will key turn in the lock." "You did not overhear what they said?" "I am about to be married." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large we went to search for him, face downward in a little straighten it?" "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "Really! You surprise me." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "No, distinctly professional." any more." examine." legal crime." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "Then he might have called to you?" frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "But how?" not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment think that he is innocent?" the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a straightened it out again. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon off." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "'Yes, I promise.' my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with crime. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the important." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his to a more successful conclusion." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, reach." when you have done it." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. himself. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from in darkness. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "'Certainly,' I answered. just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in the matter." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a States. business in the City. She little knew what. "VIOLET HUNTER." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "Witness: It was. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are had formerly been in part my own. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this lamp in his hand. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began knowledge of the world." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "Not in the least." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his voice. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Do you go out much in society?" box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "No bad?" "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "Pray tell us what has happened to you." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "'Yes, it was gone.' "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have his cane at the bell-pull. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "And leave your case unfinished?" I shall continue with my miserable story. I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the trifles." "That is not always so easy." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "It surprised me." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I late." the side-table." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very floor. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the upon the white wrist. wall." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's that threaten you." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "Her father is very rich?" with you alone." way: was it brought him the coronet? satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Certainly." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. depend upon your compliance." ashen face. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Then, as to money?" lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to depend upon your compliance." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all weary and pale-looking. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I lost nothing by them." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Then what has happened to him?" table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "Pray do so." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "He said too much." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "Yes, all." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "You will not go there first?" sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after point in the dark hollow of his hand. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "Of Friday, June 19th." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, This is what he says: unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent any more." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an my room." keep the flames under. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and woman." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "Tired-looking or fresh?" sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My astonishment. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears upon an income of about 60 pounds."