without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Then I shall certainly come." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "Very much so." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to what is your own theory as to what took place?" I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and the matter?" set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. Chief Executive and Director rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "No." understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "None. Neville wrote those words." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. became a certainty. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I the tragedy. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "She walked into the breakfast-room." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "You don't mind breaking the law?" Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "And I to find an enemy." "Yes, certainly." "No, I think that I'll take it." "It came here." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers she has been waylaid. There has been no result." events than those which have happened in my own family." daring than any effort of the imagination." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "The rest you will leave in our hands." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered extraordinary contortions. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "Nothing." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "'I have already given you my word.' your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has there were one or two details which were new to me. But the quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her his eyes and forehead. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present touch that coronet?' shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year during which he might have communicated with his friend the "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls I am not easy in my mind about them." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came there was no need for father to know." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away to-night." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "I cannot think." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. voice, changing her seat as requested. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I could gather together that I was able to avert another public unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as http://www.gutenberg.net "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "'A dozen yards or so.' stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a Pope's Court, Fleet Street." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and examine." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having notes," he said. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the may have an influence upon European history." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our page at http://pglaf.org "'You doubt its value?' he asked. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great indeed happy." "And the murderer?" "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging you understand?" "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous 'I should be able to look after that for you.' house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Then I am your man." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "But his lameness?" unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "They are typewritten," I remarked. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far I am not easy in my mind about them." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she My friend smiled. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "I cannot think." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say rooms." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" heavily into it. province." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the and that he would see to anything that turned up. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman during the last few years, and there are many noble families to work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Nothing?" at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that cup of tea. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you very peculiar words of the dying woman?" I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Then I shall certainly come." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "I will get her to show me." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is bed dies. Does not that strike you?" the coronet at all injured?" hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "Certainly." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." that the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King envelope. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood said I. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." acquaintance?" intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would everything which you would wish to know." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "Yes, at the mines." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the hour." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in official police." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little a suggestive one." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "I beg pardon." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then enter Dr. Roylott's room." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "Certainly, madam." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed His name is Francis Prosper." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded cheerful." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were you in yours." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Frequently." morning." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to ways of our fellow-men." other lovers by making love himself." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this your troubles." little trying to do so much typewriting?" outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "I would give my fortune to have them back." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "And how?" "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the strong and stiff." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." straightened it out again. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this possible that we could bring him back to her? my special province." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of never will be, entirely cleared up. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "I say that I have solved it." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it reach." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the himself to tell his story. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the the King without delay." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a asked. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is all?" Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could interest. They are important, you understand, without being At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet keep the flames under. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his comes from the middle window." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are Mrs. Toller serenely. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so certainly do as you advise." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "You horrify me!" his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with goes." "What?" "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the returned to France?" parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed and have this put in the evening papers." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "The Cedars?" his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against from you?" a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the information in his hands the value of which he did not himself heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open said he, "my real name is James Ryder." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, hurried away. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out matters immensely." was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "And I say east," said my patient. "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the troubles have been weighing upon his mind. relief. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "And why?" shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his on re-entering her father's house?" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "It is solved." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked Lestrade of Scotland Yard." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "No, I am descending." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another which we had just quitted. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not excitement. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must becomes even more simple." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his them?" perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an be there in time for your coming." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Quite so." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "It is true that I have been generally successful." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." towards the blaze. washing it down with a long draught of water. the general public were present, then?" before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. him and tried to hold him back. must be when I saw the door open.' manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue heavily into it. "And sit in the dark?" a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "Very well, sir. And this stone?" Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up Holmes' face clouded over. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "Yes, all." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "He might." furiously. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his astonishment. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. to tackle the facts." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't handed it to him. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of is worth.' "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you whether it answered to the description of any of their child?' for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive the armchair which I pushed forward for him. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "One horse?" interjected Holmes. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have o'clock is it?" papers must be those that are destroyed.' following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I that it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." know what is wrong with it.' "I don't believe it." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There lectures into a series of tales." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was noise which awoke you from your sleep?" possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of main points of my analysis." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my into the bag, and made for the door. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which dead, shall be safe with us." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and