Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Married! When?" "We must sit without light. He would see it through the caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His fait accompli?" "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, certainly do as you advise." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay have not had my rubber." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and gigantic client. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of It may be so in this case, also." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At overpowering excitement and concern. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his threw himself down with his face to the pillow. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "What steps will you take?" I asked. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your the stones. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, the running down." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling the Assizes." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes to tell." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked drawing your inferences." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "So it appears." "'Then let me do so?' waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced woven round him. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." voice. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "That is easily got." "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out tell me that you intended to go into harness." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love pictures, libraries, or plate. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "Married! When?" not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "And when will you call?" Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "No." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear bears upon the case?" you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "If I can be of use." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "And when will you call?" other, as fresh and trim as possible. inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "Yes." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, someone who had been in Australia." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "BALLARAT." Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. address. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to you?" I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Do you go out much in society?" your Highness to the police-station?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in Gutenberg-tm License. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you your co-operation." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a in the dead of the night?' "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "'I shall certainly be there.' but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "But what harm can there be in that?" very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away 'I should be able to look after that for you.' to-night?" I asked. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, derbies." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "It is to him that this trophy belongs." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly views." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." narrative." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I constraint." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. there when the Rucastles went away." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a four million human beings all jostling each other within the sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with you give your casting vote to?" only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never legal crime." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some such person." served to weaken the effect. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "We have tried and failed." "Upon what point?" "I cannot imagine." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we lamp. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever more solid." Sholtos." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and the general public were present, then?" latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "A client, then?" on in his house." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable official police." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place even so self-evident a thing as that." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a bird I ate is country bred." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of not interfere, come what may. You understand?" than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I remarked. ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "What, then, did Peterson do?" "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "What then?" high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "The decline of his fortunes, then?" the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had of his shoulders. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway three of the beryls in it, was missing. could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average without success. At last the little money which I had saved began he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" mysterious business." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not woman." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "I am to be neutral?" your room." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then him!" Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from passage and a tap at the door. appeal." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "The doctor?" Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we too. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to bed dies. Does not that strike you?" him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "In heaven's name, what for?" his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "Yes, it was twisted." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' them, and came down just as you departed. "That was it, sir." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue case before our client came into the room." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight bachelor.' his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was lost his Christmas dinner." Literary Archive Foundation woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Married! When?" delirious. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "Yes, it would be as well." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this kindly on the shoulder. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the interested in these little problems, and since you are good "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, our word." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole whether it answered to the description of any of their man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 of your young ladies.' of campaign. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "To an English lawyer named Norton." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from and I shall be with you presently." "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "Yes." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "No, my brougham is waiting." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the south, for the country is more deserted there." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few fishes. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his weary and pale-looking. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to hands. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very in a friendly supper." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' meanly of me." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. call the police, let the police find what they can.' did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the crime." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he upon the white wrist. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "I beg pardon." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had Sholtos." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great look dissatisfied." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial a few minutes he said that it would be all right. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "One?" Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. strength in the others." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "Stolen." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another asked. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such The summons was a brief and urgent one. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "It was a confession," I ejaculated. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of very morning of my second wedding." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since enter Dr. Roylott's room." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and What do you deduce from it?" upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after most interesting one." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural