little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or stammered. "So it appears." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "But to whom?" yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she before the coroner and the police-court." "In what way?" asked Holmes. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in to-night." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Why serious?" future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask in his hands." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Not I." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how hair?' give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" as yours." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Pray let us have it, for all that." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "But she will refuse." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was politicians who had been sent down from the North. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. side. are, I think, all that we need." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up and no precautions can guard against." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both McCarthy." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "It came here." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." his eyes and forehead. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Was the window open?" deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a during the last few years, and there are many noble families to loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "Where did he live, then?" really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "I am to be neutral?" through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon was shining brightly. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "Yes." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate weigh very heavily upon my conscience." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door on re-entering her father's house?" place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to mystery may be cleared along those lines." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was a good hundred miles off by now." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the them present such singular features as the strange train of returned to France?" cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "You saw the ventilator, too?" passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father bled considerably." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were footfalls from the street. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have Does that suggest anything?" "And you thought he was pulled back?" for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." 1.F. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah of them has the shutters up.' "What! Had he lost his wife?" importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, on in his house." to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the whether it answered to the description of any of their He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, and it need not interfere very much with one's other sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "Yes." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon matter." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and sooner or later she must fall a victim. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "And how did he make his money?" daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which things are very often connected not with the larger but with the sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "What?" "It is very clear." me. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance Lee, in the county of Kent." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as into the room. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across had a long day." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, about here speaks of his kindness to him." case before our client came into the room." the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and Stoke Moran." strength of mind to control. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going and shall probably return to London by the evening train." off." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "I don't believe it." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "'Tell me all about it,' said I. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards maid will bring up your coffee." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at returning from some small jollification and was making his way got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but directors, with the result that you have seen." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "'And what salary do you ask?' "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "I will, Miss Turner." appointment with me for six o'clock?" XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "So I am. Very much so." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises nonsense.' touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his Holmes. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of go--none." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to the coronet in his hands?" he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered like that before?" Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' opened the door, and slipped through. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock is a common subject for conversation. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "What will you say?" "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "'It is locked up,' I answered. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in went to the Alpha were town bred." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty to have that photograph." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you round and wave him away like that.' broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with all that?" cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "Yes." never came back." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes happened." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned prepare for the new role I have to play." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was occupations.' suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "'Then let me do so?' "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the certainly not very gracious." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "It is possible." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting stalked out of the room. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "Did you become engaged then?" me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us Eyford at 11:15.' rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "'What, the red-headed man?' set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and business?" long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." that?' the warnings." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my get the tickets." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. cause to be." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his bare slabs of marble. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders off." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "It was an hour's good drive." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. leaning back in his chair. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Was the window open?" way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "And how?" had this final quarrel? was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "I beg pardon." "No, I think that I'll take it." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love sufficient punishment." speckled band?" bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his this remarkable episode. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "When did it break out?" the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "I was mad--insane." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what Where does the thing come from?' nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "He disappeared so suddenly." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in the window, rose as we entered. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." gone. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he there in twenty minutes." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given money should be paid at once.' safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "And you don't know his address?" as this. Pray let me have the details." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." easy-going way." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "I am in hopes that she does." departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There front of the hall door has given its name to the place. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." The summons was a brief and urgent one. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Upon what point?" wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. For additional contact information: near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That children over to America with him, so that I found myself without predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was if only as a check to my own memory." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic pictures, libraries, or plate. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that is entirely a question of barometric pressure." them, and came down just as you departed. it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' Clair, of Lee." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight second." meant it for the best. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat village inn over there?" chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." true." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER unkempt, staring out at me. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly upon a handsome competence. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. coat-tails." to change my dress. fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and humiliation." "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger charge against him will break down." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "That also I could fathom." shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "The murder was done with it." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?"