there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "'Why that?' I asks. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" golden eyeglasses. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch questioning and rather startled gaze. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "You have the photograph?" probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, did not hear it also.' first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." what these perils are?" "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, Lestrade of Scotland Yard." Street. child?' gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "Pray do so." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "Yes." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at should be taken.' just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. his huge brown hands. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "What will you say?" could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "I saw her in conversation with her maid." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "Then he might have called to you?" you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and and the whole place is in a blaze." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his singular points about the case. What did the police think of the about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; guilty parties." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "By no means." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, public press." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the said he at last. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "To the police?" We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative unprofitable." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and him to be an active member of the medical profession." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "The best possible." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their you in your example." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no my former friend and companion. It may be so in this case, also." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass generous with you in money matters.' envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. peculiar to him. been deceived." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." spare." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the once more for Briony Lodge. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "Certainly." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "I think it very unlikely." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to villagers almost as much as their master. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "I beg pardon." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of she might be summoned. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against acquaintance?" platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "It is solved." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still might have a private word with us. outbreak?" "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have garden below. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Come in!" said Holmes. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" country, and eventually married, without anyone having a waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" as he folded up the epistle. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. touch that coronet?' his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and likely to be some crony of the landlady's." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I and laid it on the table. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "At half-wages, in fact." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "But you can know nothing of this?" waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "A greater distance to travel." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." that I may have something better before very many minutes are takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "And the cigar-holder?" "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version ready to-morrow?' despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "What?" her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "Did he not advertise?" and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Whose house is it?" not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND that threaten you." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "I shall most certainly do so." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most to-night?" I asked. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to skylight. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking October 9, 1890. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer there has been an enclosure here!" then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's During two years I have had three consultations and one small and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked in this way: were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. had this final quarrel? Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had his eyes and forehead. of his shoulders. client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic as he remarks, very much against the son." one of the states of the Union." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Not social, then?" like that before?" At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which conduct the inquiry." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "From his hat?" the coronet in his hands?" "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, what is your own theory as to what took place?" could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called in. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "How did he come?" the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Eh? What was that?" 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm will take you up to see the machine.' granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "What is it, then--a fire?" provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Pray continue your narrative." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and such person." "Stolen." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked south, for the country is more deserted there." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be fled together." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he late." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "Then I do not see the point." http://www.gutenberg.net "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, skylight. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "But the mystery?" he died? held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "Dr. Becher's." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "I say that I have solved it." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. floor. morning." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to whether it answered to the description of any of their winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling arrested. You then--" "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a delirious. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a present." number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately like that before?" flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he trying to your nerves." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the been shamefully used." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. him, that man would not have given me such complete information plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to residence of the great financier. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Oh, the cause is excellent!" I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "What, then, did Peterson do?" "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were already been minutely examined." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the daring than any effort of the imagination." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the to me. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the face and glided from the room. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the down in his armchair and closing his eyes. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "What I expected to see." as noiselessly as she had come. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Nearly eleven." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for again on its way. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a respectable self." to-night." was already answered. fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to himself to hunt down. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on main points of my analysis." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a your most interesting statement." "What?" nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. even so self-evident a thing as that." soul! here is her carriage at the door." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I completely overtopped every other consideration that we both play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "To the police?" misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. know that the truth is known." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder your equipment. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when other, as fresh and trim as possible. plantation.' "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "Dark enough and sinister enough." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "Nothing?" where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George seven miles from Eyford Station.' Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the