"Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works that there was nothing in it, after all." "You think that he is dead?" there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly them, and came down just as you departed. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, hereditary King of Bohemia." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of father's young wife. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the has little to do with my story." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in considering the formidable letters which were received by himself that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for face and glided from the room. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among manager. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Where, indeed?" parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging did not hear it also.' "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching a very grave face. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: him to be an active member of the medical profession." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers mysterious business." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." bell. Holmes whistled. What do you deduce from it?" place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "'Certainly,' I answered. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to suddenly upon us." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to to-night?" I asked. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack have established a very serious case against the son of the are, and they are waiting for us." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would events than those which have happened in my own family." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "I think it very unlikely." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "It was." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. place no limit on the sum I may draw." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "Yes, it was twisted." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside the general public were present, then?" salesman. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "But she could not love him." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I comes from the middle window." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the garden below. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate and laid it on the table. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the as this. Pray let me have the details." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. was shining brightly. "An enemy?" The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his conclusions. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the This is what he says: enter Dr. Roylott's room." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "Then I am your man." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "It came here." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "What then?" friends, not even his own brother. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Which surely he restored to their owner?" fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." closely." straightened it out again. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "That is unusual in a young girl." "I cannot tell." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic over part of the map. "What do you read?" "I don't believe it." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Nothing." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to get the tickets." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other eavesdroppers?' see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "None. Neville wrote those words." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell golden eyeglasses. in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much was already answered. third from London." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that bare slabs of marble. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to during the last few years, and there are many noble families to company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father said I. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had His name is Francis Prosper." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the in. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a is acting for the best. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry business." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We hereditary King of Bohemia." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. train.' here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure noting anything else of interest. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Upon what point?" Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "I will do it." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving third from London." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. fat-encircled eyes. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "Then I shall certainly come." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling It may be so in this case, also." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my Mary, has deserted me." "Yes, the wine-cellar." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in 'please.'" slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "No, finished." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: away into the river." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was I shall communicate with you." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "Of what?" "Then the page we have seen--" he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. locked. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "Won't it ring?" the roots. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry night.' said he. and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us subject to the trademark license, especially commercial Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my direction." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "To an end?" habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I instincts rose up against that laugh. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let chance." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than I am not easy in my mind about them." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "How can you tell that?" doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Yes." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was swore that no one else had been in the front room during the the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached weighed down with some great anxiety. "10th. John Swain cleared. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far done what I asked you, Jones?" "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was if she died from some sudden fright." gentleman's clothes. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both definite end. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "And is that all?" and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and you?" so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that side. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how him to go away.' cigars in the box." voice. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into leaning back in his chair. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND to-night's adventure." fat-encircled eyes. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment outside. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We always that they were such commands as a lady might with "Not particularly." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her against a man in the prime of life?" he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," himself in a perplexing position. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the detective. "Where did he live, then?" and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "Where, indeed?" central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the there." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case me upon any point which I do not make clear." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you of the one which your family is now devouring." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "Ha! you find it so?" "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance do you make of it all?" the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official said he. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon upon a handsome competence. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the to surprise her." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just the best of training." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found to have that photograph." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "The gentleman I describe." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an that threaten you." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated my special province." "Stoke Moran?" said he. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my her also." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying there." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "You forget that I know nothing about it." "She will not sell." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "Precisely." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Ample." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "Certainly, madam." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "The best possible." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he next day. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him what these perils are?" natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for anything to do with the matter?" "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "Pray do so." "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a Foundation "'How far from the body?'