"'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and The events in question occurred in the early days of my my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how vague figure huddled up in the darkness. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. Munro.' fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite man. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Why serious?" "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable highly," said Holmes. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements shall use the carriage to-night." will he say when he returns?" constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. fait accompli?" greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who business." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the way: "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and was a loud and authoritative tap. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "Pray let us have it, for all that." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "'About the same.' very morning of my second wedding." "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if manager. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is unkempt, staring out at me. "I am following you closely," I answered. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Absolutely none." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. them?" thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, bearing upon the case." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security will not take me long to tell. the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so the matter." "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my fasten all the windows?" place no limit on the sum I may draw." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "We must have a cab." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "What I expected to see." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed to a light-house. "Yes, the wine-cellar." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "Of what?" lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "I have solved it." "Her father is very rich?" fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "From his hat?" thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "Then, as to money?" And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it forebodings. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of crime." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a go back?" You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Not social, then?" burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "But not more so than I to find you." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." is worth.' "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "What can you not understand?" gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain crowd. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in congenial hunt. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and wanted for ourselves." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. is a common subject for conversation. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an in the hope of finding them." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full must be when I saw the door open.' "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder asked. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely now. It seems that there had been some informality about their Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had there has been an enclosure here!" style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I wife's character?" "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He she slowly sank and died without having recovered her matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, himself. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. II. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." his face. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "But how could you guess what the motive was?" Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "What do you mean?" a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded four million human beings all jostling each other within the "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington frequently gained my first real insight into the character of three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we outside. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "My stepfather's business papers." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not tightly behind him. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. instituted." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "And what did you learn from him?" though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, all that?" He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a hour?' will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to companion. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "Why serious?" nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Yes, only one." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "And you can do nothing until then?" recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. Henry Baker is a member." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought people don't know." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and used to be." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "It missed him, then?" "You have a clue?" "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "No sign of it?" "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who where she found matters as described by the last witness. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "I will, Miss Turner." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Tired-looking or fresh?" a good hundred miles off by now." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "The vanishing of the lady." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I sparkled upon his finger. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "I am still in the dark." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. with some details as to your case." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and not use it unless it is absolutely needed." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "'Certainly not. But why?' and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his that you saw all that I did." The King stared at him in amazement. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Certainly, madam." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very exactly what you advise." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let once more to my work. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the families. Now for the facts. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "No." he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has he. "That sounds a little paradoxical." thought that she would have been so carried away." thin legs towards the fire. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "You think that he is dead?" perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not upon the shelf for the interim." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am a good hundred miles off by now." "That you are never beaten." begun to whiten, even as mine has." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "And why?" window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the is worth.' away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin disappearance of the bride.'" whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a Sholtos." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's come either from the window or the door. My attention was that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." such attractions and accomplishments?' a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "But I am all in the dark." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of head. So long, then!" come either from the window or the door. My attention was Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves chamber." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "The landlord of the Alpha." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Did you observe the colour?" he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, business at Coburg Square is serious." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident criminal. We have already had experience of such." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue is a common subject for conversation. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord will be renamed. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he during the last few years, and there are many noble families to merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed photograph a cabinet?" bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. Where does the thing come from?' only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The time." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of me where it went to?" before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "Pray do so." "He slept on the premises." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal but preventing her from injuring another. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will gone. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get against a man in the prime of life?" "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate way: go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "Yes, only one." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, leave you to your papers for a little." if she died from some sudden fright." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father fact, we may call it conclusive." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. business?" skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small drawing your inferences." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance if I call to-morrow?" "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence over his head with a sweet womanly caress. back into the street. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and maiden herself was most instructive." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He to have been novel and of interest." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that gigantic client. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "One horse?" interjected Holmes. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that