and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a developed." he. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: ran thus: like gravel from a pit.' I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "How often?" his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes Sholtos." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "It is to him that this trophy belongs." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "Precisely so. But how--" unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "An enemy?" groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "I am all attention, madam." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "Yes, sir." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." is worth.' kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Yes." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' these bleak autumnal evenings." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "I guessed as much." views." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the place of silver." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in this as likely?" "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "Stolen." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our detained." "What of the rat, then?" of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." about. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that intimate personal affairs in this public manner." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, it. "One?" and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" appointment with me for six o'clock?" deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. is a common subject for conversation. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man British peeress.'" stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as at my own good fortune. straighten it?" to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what bled considerably." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "'Where could I find him?' facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned here and I will read it to you: downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "Certainly." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. you, my dear young lady?' essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "My photograph." "Where, then?" impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My and it need not interfere very much with one's other these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small such person." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "This photograph!" "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in served to weaken the effect. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself situation." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from problems help me to do so." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much bore every mark of being an average commonplace British the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was place no limit on the sum I may draw." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a there has been an enclosure here!" together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "It is his hat." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and if I call to-morrow?" that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to green of the new foliage. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a to me. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." was a loud and authoritative tap. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "'Ten to two.' admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated conclusions. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's dramatic, in fact." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was never will be, entirely cleared up. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in train from Paddington which would bring you there at about knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering more terrible than the truth. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Pray let us have it, for all that." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just is," said he presently: more terrible than the truth. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "I have hopes." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your think, you have already met." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll to tackle the facts." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "'Very good.' "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "Why did you pick him?" "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Then you may be so with me." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "The rest you will leave in our hands." and I shall be with you presently." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "And now?" I asked. tell me that you intended to go into harness." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, instituted." and a shock of very red hair. and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door affair. his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." will he say when he returns?" He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Eh? What was that?" which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But present strange and interesting features that it is no easy the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Nothing." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny delighted to hear it," he said. himself in a perplexing position. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting Leadenhall Street--and--" upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "If I can be of use." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Witness: Nothing definite. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, highroad, where all traces were lost. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who in the port of London." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, with the outside air!" Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot south, for the country is more deserted there." "That you are never beaten." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the returning from some small jollification and was making his way scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, conceal it?" I held the little printed slip to the light. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "But she will refuse." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "My photograph." there!' and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 noble correspondent could be. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, bedroom door." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" was it brought him the coronet? was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of dear old homesteads?" time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are present strange and interesting features that it is no easy three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the door?" "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "And it is--" "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "And sit in the dark?" "'And the work?' I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, this man was intellectual?" "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" better in every way that they should make their position a little to a light-house. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do made his money." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, derbies." occupations.' recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a the room while you explain this matter?" lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "No good news?" quickly through a disagreeable task. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled spark where all is dark to me." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "And Irene Adler?" will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "But you would not advise me to refuse?" his eyes and forehead. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in quickly through a disagreeable task. clanging. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' trifles." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "But what is it you wish?" old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, hands. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on in this way: company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not McCarthy's innocence. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "And why?" McCarthy's innocence. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the there were one or two details which were new to me. But the charged with?" weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at the so-precious time, but come!' month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "Perhaps we may make them less so." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made retorted upon me, and I on you." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know him!" still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "I should like to see him very much." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "Bought." "None." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to 11:15.' interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess breakfast and whispered something to her husband. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" with you alone." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and developed." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, acquaintance?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it spare." Pope's Court. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Yes, it was twisted." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a acted in my house last night?" signal between you and your father? Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I became a certainty. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a security.' took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, together. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "Nothing?" "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such threw himself down with his face to the pillow. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and a little more before I quite committed myself. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine which it had come upon my father." furiously. "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that as this. Pray let me have the details." footfalls from the street. room. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "The Cedars?" possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police forebodings. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the in the hope of finding them." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. nights." meant." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it pictures, libraries, or plate. "Why? What do you mean?" say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "My private note-paper." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project all that?" 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm