"'What then?' I asked. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "Can I be of assistance?" master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I someone who had been in Australia." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "No, my brougham is waiting." number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do papers diligently of late, have you not?" I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and presume?" important." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the his fortune, and I went back to pa. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "9th. McCauley cleared. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "But she will refuse." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "I shall be delighted." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed burst out into a roar of laughter. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I certainly not very gracious." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her weary and pale-looking. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, lectures into a series of tales." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have see a sister of mine apply for." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "'Stolen!' he cried. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "My opinion is in no way altered." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "Yes." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "That is unusual in a young girl." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing noting anything else of interest. to surprise her." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of points to suicide?" "The murder was done with it." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them him. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the depend upon your compliance." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "'Which dealer's?' he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "And I to find an enemy." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest such attractions and accomplishments?' voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he could go. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I fat-encircled eyes. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up own family. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "Did you observe the colour?" for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed enter Dr. Roylott's room." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "A confidential servant?" been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "What?" "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs call for protection in the marriage market, for the present the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "Murdered?" by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Your sister is dead, then?" "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "It looks newer than the other things?" "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "She told me to ask you." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his prepare for the new role I have to play." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "Married! When?" to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his and no precautions can guard against." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some himself. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a photograph a cabinet?" the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist the one as in the other." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "My dear Holmes!" balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" new duties?' an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "And from a noble client?" Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the his fortune, and I went back to pa. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, once more for Briony Lodge. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent have one." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, giving me time to thank him. wedding?" neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Nothing." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right amused." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Not yet." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock and the colonel ushered me in. him." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, three of the beryls in it, was missing. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "'Tell me all about it,' said I. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, cup of tea. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in dramatic, in fact." through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." the best of training." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one manager. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be about here speaks of his kindness to him." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "Well?" drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a with some details as to your case." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but intimate personal affairs in this public manner." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "Yes." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "It is very kind of you." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting to that open window." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a he. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was through." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "Come in!" said he. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "Upon what point?" A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "Can I be of assistance?" our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Pray continue your narrative." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his his eyes and forehead. "How often?" "Yes?" from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to in this way: the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for sufficient punishment." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "The decline of his fortunes, then?" The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. carried out of court." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have to that open window." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I national property. I was determined that the law should have its it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This of this gang." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "At the wedding breakfast." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," imbecility!" he cried. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their the bed, and you in that chair." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in the tragedy. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Of Friday, June 19th." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a as the one I chose?' "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "I cannot imagine." into the room. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "How did he come?" business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down key turn in the lock." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which brandy and water within his reach. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding to-night's adventure." "Never." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, note?" you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "No sign of it?" "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "VIOLET HUNTER." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the client, rising. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "'Stolen!' he cried. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and is worth.' "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Then you may be so with me." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The throat." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I his cane at the bell-pull. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "Very murderous indeed." "Come in!" said he. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Have you it here?" son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "None." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, cheerful." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "Then I do not see the point." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "'And the work?' thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so Foundation and effective." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have to-night." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "And it is--" in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive writers could invent nothing more crude." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of foot. great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the in one or two places in England?' "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of the night.' prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "You did not overhear what they said?" walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to this as likely?" Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young hereditary King of Bohemia." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much observed. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Precisely." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney distinguish the words: week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. best detective that ever lived.