has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "Witness: I must still refuse. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, writers could invent nothing more crude." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "'Why that?' I asks. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed call for it in person on Monday morning.' 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, joking. in this way: uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "I should be immensely obliged to you." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Nothing?" list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has during that time.' This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of against a man in the prime of life?" "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. name is different." "And how did he make his money?" and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with believe that I should never have any practice at all. "What office?" "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences them?" don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "That is possible." "A confidential servant?" They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "To the police?" dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah sit on the left-hand side of the driver." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture character. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we fait accompli?" whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to words came to my lips. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the carried out of court." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me me. You must get home instantly and act." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "On the contrary, this is the right side." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, them, and came down just as you departed. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and least a fellow-countryman. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every I am not easy in my mind about them." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Game for a morning drive?" waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time opened the door, and slipped through. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. matters immensely." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." happened." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the entirely lost his self-respect." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Yesterday." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned if only as a check to my own memory." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "'Quite sure, dad.' contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can could not account in any way for the presence of the missing returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence the coroner come to?" "A greater distance to travel." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to mysterious end." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "And what did you see?" determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always chamber." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a hereditary King of Bohemia." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "'As governess?' reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "Ah, but I was recommended to you." a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Then, as to money?" request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "That was it, sir." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such than was visible to me." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "No legal papers or certificates?" zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "No, but the enclosure is." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "'Ten to two.' enter into my head. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "And the murderer?" "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Your French gold?" houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not fattened it expressly for you.' therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but me what he had done with the three missing stones. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "What then?" quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which generous with you in money matters.' of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he been anything against him. He had for years been known as a rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no back into the street. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "It is solved." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove mystery." "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to are, I think, all that we need." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. her also." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, of it with the greatest attention. least a fellow-countryman. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "'A dozen yards or so.' "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I God! What an exposure! What can I do?" not use it unless it is absolutely needed." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "My photograph." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They triumphant cloud from his cigarette. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Then, as to money?" "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve advice." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "I never have." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the became a certainty. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Not in the least." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved the nursery. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 man. I know him from the photograph." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in you?" saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" these bleak autumnal evenings." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "How many? I don't know." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a lectures into a series of tales." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "What I expected to see." "A call for help, you thought?" come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with confronted him. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found the general public were present, then?" "No." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "So it appears." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of are, and they are waiting for us." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to arrangements." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled see a sister of mine apply for." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his leave you to your papers for a little." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "It is possible." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to very peculiar words of the dying woman?" seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl companion quietly. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our you give your casting vote to?" silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. come either from the window or the door. My attention was crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "He disappeared so suddenly." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any could gather together that I was able to avert another public ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their place no limit on the sum I may draw." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, me upon any point which I do not make clear." though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than letters?" "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. to-night." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and Sholtos." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. south, for the country is more deserted there." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I present strange and interesting features that it is no easy enough to aid us in our search." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty Holmes' face clouded over. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, and put his glass in his pocket. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple make me his representative both with the servants and with the severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly But Holmes shook his head gravely. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "You think so, too?" and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "'About the same.' Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "On your arm?" October 9, 1890. no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Get out!" said he. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. the inner apartment." and the colonel ushered me in. obstinate." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "That sounds a little paradoxical." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over gentleman's clothes. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" of receipt of the work. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And out of this horrible affair." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the used to be." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his might have a private word with us. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "By all means." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." made his money." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "But of what society?" perplexity from it to my illustrious client. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "'Entirely.' makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning villagers almost as much as their master. touch that coronet?' possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Well, but China?" believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being 11:15.' Street. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my like that before?" singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "In answer to an advertisement." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When tension within him. waste of energy." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I populous neighbourhood." "You think that he is dead?" disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "Then, as to money?" Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to the stable lane now." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "Of Friday, June 19th." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as villagers almost as much as their master. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our do.' Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR at my own good fortune. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the 1.E.9. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further lectures into a series of tales." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "The King of Scandinavia." is so. I know all about McCarthy." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told I shall communicate with you." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Dirty?" better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Two days later this same performance was gone through under shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their Pope's Court. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "'About the same.' of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it,