a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek in your London, you will know that the office of the company is handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months the dangers which encompass me." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what arrested. You then--" play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." the best of training." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' before, for it was considerably after midnight. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "His face fell immediately. "Where, then?" we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" of his shoulders. me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little following enigmatical notices: "I have a cab outside." "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his quick march!" see a sister of mine apply for." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "Yes, it was twisted." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you my little problems." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "But you would not advise me to refuse?" Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My the address that was given us in the advertisement. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "Stoke Moran?" said he. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away of it with the greatest attention. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "How did you deduce the select?" "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by carried out of court." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to London for the present?" "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for subject to the trademark license, especially commercial gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know despair." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope in a very precise fashion." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, see me here to avoid scandal." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular Pool. "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Has he come with you to-night?" the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, approach us with offers to donate. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle house for five minutes.' and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; this remarkable episode. Countess of Morcar's?" matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that question. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "And who is her maid?" "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO it means?" on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I from you?" that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story notes," he said. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" foot. I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "I came to find a friend." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I completely overtopped every other consideration that we both about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his For additional contact information: "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to think, you have already met." "It is possible." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. his fortune, and I went back to pa. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "And you don't know his address?" evidence," I remarked. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in words came to my lips. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. placed his cuttings. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my manager. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "And now?" I asked. crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "None." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets village inn over there?" ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it bears upon the case?" Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "Entirely." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has secret." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to not as remarkable as your advertisement." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a invisible to me," I remarked. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and of receipt of the work. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had handed it to him. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "'What then?' I asked. gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of a monotonous occupation." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "And why?" "I have my revolver," said I. Henry Baker is a member." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "No." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her present strange and interesting features that it is no easy conclusions. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "Yes?" before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for arms and began to sob in a high treble key. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "I saw her in conversation with her maid." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over writing, and yet I know it well." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their chance at all." of them has the shutters up.' "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "You horrify me!" who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "My opinion is in no way altered." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things back to my heart. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of tear off another piece?' guilty parties." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "That also I could fathom." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "Never to return." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, 11:15.' should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "No." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "But I have heard all that you have heard." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the becomes even more simple." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "That is also quite modern," said the lady. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "None. Neville wrote those words." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and The telegram which we eventually received came late one night going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly before, for it was considerably after midnight. are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has dramatic, in fact." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and gone. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution case before our client came into the room." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has against a man in the prime of life?" prove to be little relation between the different incidents of public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a sparkled upon his finger. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "No good news?" "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his signal between you and your father? It was close upon four before the door opened, and a It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, deduce something from that?" didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the such attractions and accomplishments?' "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "That is easily got." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "Very truly yours, very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "It is solved." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in indeed which he could not unravel. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a in darkness. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, hurried away. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "I think that I had better go, Holmes." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. night.' said he. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering of Fenchurch Street." "I have solved it." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "How did he come?" homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "Where, indeed?" spark where all is dark to me." "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "You think so, too?" "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' mystery." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place least a most suspicious remark." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "How did you trace it, then?" the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known right! Sit down and let us talk it over." and all of them with the keenest interest. She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately annoyance, but no jest. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "And how have you succeeded?" after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "None." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check little trying to do so much typewriting?" returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "No, thank goodness, she did not." desk. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who I took the paper from him and read as follows: my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most indeed happy." the inner apartment." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his outside. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "It is true that I have been generally successful." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to disappearance of these gems?" "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. approach us with offers to donate. "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than to arrive at through this?" in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was following enigmatical notices: "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for