to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Where is it, then?" pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the mystery may be cleared along those lines." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be locked. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." ourselves in the office." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between disappearance of the bride.'" a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "But you can know nothing of this?" violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the you found me to-night--and running through the front room she as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and examine." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to are, and they are waiting for us." system of imprisonment?" the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. the room while you explain this matter?" depend upon your compliance." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. subject to the trademark license, especially commercial works. made him keep the appointment." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "Oh, the cause is excellent!" important." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in security.' of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining yourselves in at night?" days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the over with notes and figures. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Quite so." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "'Yes, sir.' fait accompli?" felt the room to be a little close.' From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "I assure you that I am in your hands." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project go from here to the Strand." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert families. Now for the facts. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When 1.F. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the there in twenty minutes." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "What have you done?" asked Holmes. furiously. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he child?' across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes envelope. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Now, then, what's the last entry?" the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you Surrey." when your master had gone out." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "By no means." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, him!" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after do.' utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. do." other lovers by making love himself." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. papers diligently of late, have you not?" Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The of the one which your family is now devouring." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we were wasted." Edgeware Road. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would friend's singular character. that threaten you." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "Is he quiet?" the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a in him." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, approach us with offers to donate. I shall continue with my miserable story. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own for securing the situation." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he My friend smiled. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger one's self under obligations.' the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no together. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying father's place of business?" "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve long narrative. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further matter over." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "What do you mean?" Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what into the room. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "You don't mind breaking the law?" public press." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "And why in hopes?" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as best detective that ever lived. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "But he might be a bachelor." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Where, then?" sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a hair?' "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "May I see it?" work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "Nothing?" leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Oh, the cause is excellent!" it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "My dear Holmes!" act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the carpenter." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "And the murderer?" the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his remarked. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he chair. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps Leadenhall Street--and--" customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." my secret was safe in his possession. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so so.' For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which at home. 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something the Friday. Was it to be in church?" Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg more terrible than the truth. to a light-house. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So returning from some small jollification and was making his way though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming answer." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "You know me, then?" but preventing her from injuring another. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Stolen, then." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "Have you her photograph?" "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "I am all attention, madam." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "It surprised me." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Could he throw no light?" St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! depend upon my doing so.' however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to IS Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the Countess of Morcar's?" and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the heavy and sharp instrument." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "Which surely he restored to their owner?" broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing again on its way. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I to miss it." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you away to you." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of skylight. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary lips." to-night?" I asked. definite end. system of imprisonment?" "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Why did you beat the pavement?" prove to be little relation between the different incidents of hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I you?' take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms just ask you whether you had heard it.' that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with used to be." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the the dangers which encompass me." "You will not go there first?" paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Certainly." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "But I am all in the dark." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. your room." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and weighed down with some great anxiety. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "I have come for advice." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood bachelor.' 1.E.9. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the into the room. intrusion of other matters." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a one which it was hard to resist. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "There are none." "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "You think so, too?" at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason your only hope of safety." "I fear not." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed occurred." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old with the outside air!" legal crime." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it rat could hardly pass through." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is developed." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to fashion which was peculiar to him. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "You horrify me!" awkward doing business with an alias." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made was a lad." Again Holmes raved in the air. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady telegram would bring me down to your help." one which it was hard to resist. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, never came back." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "No, I am descending." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "What will you do, then?" akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. prepare for the new role I have to play." the salesman. experiences." "I know where it is."