For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "You horrify me." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would fat-encircled eyes. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere Watson," he said cordially. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man trifles." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "'And the work?' that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "Well, it is a possible supposition." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend wedding?" whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can deduce something from that?" "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his charged with?" "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." would then never go into court at all." "And what then?" "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an and have this put in the evening papers." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the must be when I saw the door open.' of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is to arrive at through this?" bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "A confidential servant?" table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary feature." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation Stoke Moran." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling returning from some small jollification and was making his way Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the examine." answered with a sidelong glance. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful in him." do.' those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "To ruin me." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the affection." always that they were such commands as a lady might with "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am emerged. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, this truth that in these little records of our cases which you to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill families. Now for the facts. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a was a loud and authoritative tap. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in in the port of London." "Yes." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house and your relations to her." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "How are you getting on?" "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had danger is over." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" to some other building. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room yourselves in at night?" put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that three of the beryls in it, was missing. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH and it need not interfere very much with one's other of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." a suggestive one." call you and give you the chance." like that before?" "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "I think that I had better go, Holmes." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this and files of the old papers, following the future career of every to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, drove away. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "I am to be neutral?" surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing points in connection with it which never have been, and probably to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had But Holmes shook his head gravely. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid his cane at the bell-pull. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to when your master had gone out." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Yes." just called myself is not exactly my own." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "'Why that?' I asks. to have that photograph." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "'Stolen!' he cried. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of upon the shelf for the interim." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell what I may call a really hard day's work." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and followed. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our chambers. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate your equipment. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt paper in the air. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by beyond words. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Which are?" practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled and effective." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "If so, much may have happened between." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend what these perils are?" prison!" following enigmatical notices: "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my this Miss Turner." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Stolen, then." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two Edgeware Road. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate people in all walks of life. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four Holmes. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," the morning and make my own way in the world.' know all about it," he snarled. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way once more for Briony Lodge. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire of them has the shutters up.' memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search lamp in his hand. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations to arrive at through this?" the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "But what is it you wish?" prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that wedding?" and capable of preserving a secret.' two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with if she died from some sudden fright." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. matter over." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than house for five minutes.' "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" License. You must require such a user to return or "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, but preventing her from injuring another. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "'I have heard so.' it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. hair?' He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Dark enough and sinister enough." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further Lee, in the county of Kent." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Well." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "Was the window open?" marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "At half-wages, in fact." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had His smile broadened. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Oh, fresh and glossy." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and shaken than I had ever seen him. "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. taking in every detail of the apartment. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, must be when I saw the door open.' heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "The gentleman I describe." "Yes." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise call it cruel." strode off upon his way. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the charged with?" about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but that?' "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close was a perfect sample of the class. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "At what time?" was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind recall any case within my experience which looked at the first from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing friends, not even his own brother. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "Why did you beat the pavement?" should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the threw himself down with his face to the pillow. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" you." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand own family. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little think that any burglar could have done. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. could gather together that I was able to avert another public towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, have had none more fantastic than this." to you." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose comes from the middle window." "But I am all in the dark." your own bird, so if you wish--" "'Stolen!' he cried. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "It looks newer than the other things?" "But of what society?" saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner them, and came down just as you departed. the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with Pope's Court. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of sparkled upon his finger. the tragedy. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, would then never go into court at all." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and his huge brown hands. off." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls do." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that this poor creature." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "'And what salary do you ask?' sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "The doctor?" dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It letters?" "None. Neville wrote those words." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the there in twenty minutes." look upon these things in a different way." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of that you wished to speak to me?' "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he Farm upon the left." foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I be.' wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime so.' schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an to go into your room and bar your shutters?" down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I business?"