and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the said Mr. Holder. difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "The decline of his fortunes, then?" say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among window when the police appeared." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Yes?" "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the you understand?" entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you six. Come in!" "And you can do nothing until then?" devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she the general public were present, then?" hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "I cannot think." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "I cannot as yet see any connection." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in congratulate you again." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND at my own good fortune. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. have I gained?" smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic retorted upon me, and I on you." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "The decline of his fortunes, then?" uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "'And what salary do you ask?' takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had whole matter to your consideration." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Proceed, then." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "What then?" that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "I would give my fortune to have them back." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "Perhaps we may make them less so." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging door?" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' once more on the important position which you have been fortunate straighten it?" I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his father's young wife. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if do." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "'What do you call purely nominal?' him." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your was a loud and authoritative tap. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with one of the states of the Union." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be appointment with me for six o'clock?" your Highness to the police-station?" "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I interests were the same as his." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "Will you bet, then?" "But she could not love him." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "I beg pardon." companion. Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful chambers. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. shall use the carriage to-night." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "About a month then." "You have compromised yourself seriously." happened." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. a little more before I quite committed myself. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "But what will you do?" look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in wedding?" once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back problems help me to do so." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his the tragedy. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of how narrow had been my escape. meant it for the best. "What can it mean?" I gasped. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always yet." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered place, I think that there is good ground to think that the the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He with you?" of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I chambers. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite of a light. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of if only as a check to my own memory." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to for its centre. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was http://www.gutenberg.net deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had thirty. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. how narrow had been my escape. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely his huge brown hands. this unhappy family?" "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "There are none." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a careless servant girl?" over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, particular state visit http://pglaf.org "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against know all about it," he snarled. "'Yes, it was gone.' his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your this as likely?" Lestrade of Scotland Yard." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Where, then, is my wife?" "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering Watson," he said cordially. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared pictures, libraries, or plate. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "'Tell me all about it,' said I. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of interested in these little problems, and since you are good brain must have something in it." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than who was a member of your goose club." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him was used.' We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "In heaven's name, what for?" "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save drove away. shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What side. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. garden below. Countess of Morcar's?" keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in for securing the situation." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent foresight and the moral retrogression?" another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, golden eyeglasses. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they the window, rose as we entered. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." as this. Pray let me have the details." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "Proceed, then." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "And I to find an enemy." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, own family. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen which was all perfectly true. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" promised to bring home. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "You forget that I know nothing about it." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing invisible to me," I remarked. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Seven!" I answered. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Why? What do you mean?" certainly do as you advise." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "What! Had he lost his wife?" "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "And the murderer?" indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler drawing your inferences." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just very peculiar words of the dying woman?" it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us whole matter to your consideration." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more a suggestive one." "What! Had he lost his wife?" the stable lane now." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at fashion which was peculiar to him. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "And I say east," said my patient. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." But Holmes shook his head gravely. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you heavily into it. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "I say it is." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "I guessed as much." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I before the coroner and the police-court." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "It is very kind of you." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "But she could not love him." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging be sorry for having acted so harshly." conduct the inquiry." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an Holmes' thin, eager face. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted you." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This a little more before I quite committed myself. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his there in twenty minutes." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "I am following you closely," I answered. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. sake, don't!" "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing you for a few hours?" six. Come in!" to surprise her." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "Game for a morning drive?" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" was the fact that his father should, according to his account, society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can certainly do as you advise." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Precisely." gigantic client. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful written, and locked the door of the office after me. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "You are certainly joking, Holmes." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "Come in!" said Holmes. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have my special province." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "What shall I do?" long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was have established a very serious case against the son of the have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "One horse?" interjected Holmes. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' You want to know what became of those geese?" astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "Here?" thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see horse could go." "I cannot tell." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. quickly through a disagreeable task. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "And what then?" was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Pray do so." would then never go into court at all." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she and no precautions can guard against." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant there is a decided draught." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "By all means." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together it right.' "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've stood on the top of it. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" cup of tea. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, hardly wander." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be joking. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and and your relations to her." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in over here." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he