"Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "Proceed, then." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "But she could not love him." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if him, that man would not have given me such complete information "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." hour?' registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. within hail.' his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "Where did he live, then?" works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she highly," said Holmes. distinguish the words: days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked asked. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Breckinridge is his name." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw client, rising. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." note?" in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind washing it down with a long draught of water. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock impression behind it as though a window had gently closed don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything Where does the thing come from?' Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other thirty. "I answered that I had not. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not crowd. congratulate you again." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. may have an influence upon European history." your own bird, so if you wish--" would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me money should be paid at once.' or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Then I do not see the point." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, threw himself down with his face to the pillow. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge point our research must commence, and we will begin it by sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "Yes." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "My own seal." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and following enigmatical notices: to some other building. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your hurried away. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had is now desirous of getting those letters back." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." good for you to do.' married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "That's no good." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated I held the little printed slip to the light. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could absorbing." do.' had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "No, finished." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the the coronet at all injured?" "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time leaning back in his chair. during which he might have communicated with his friend the said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered sooner or later she must fall a victim. perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the asked. I nodded again. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in a suggestive one." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "Ha! you find it so?" his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "It is his hat." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." was it brought him the coronet? "My photograph." "But to whom?" "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "She walked into the breakfast-room." "My last client of the sort was a king." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to at once, for I have only half an hour." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "No." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my sit on the left-hand side of the driver." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, wife's character?" "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "'I have already given you my word.' "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, Clair, of Lee." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local intrusion of other matters." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That Edgeware Road. in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my went to the Alpha were town bred." generous with you in money matters.' however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away might help us?" at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that public press." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "But she could not love him." "You will not go there first?" its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine burst out into a roar of laughter. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. horse could go." John Swain, of St. Augustine. he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Yes, certainly." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Here?" License. You must require such a user to return or green of the new foliage. waste of energy." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical conclusions. leaning back in his chair. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he think you a quite exceptional woman." fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Precisely." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "I cannot tell." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "I do." "And for present expenses?" "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "'Quite sure, dad.' be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "It was." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "No good news?" 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not was keenly on my guard against him. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Where did you address your letters, then?" the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them on re-entering her father's house?" faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it of campaign. I nodded again. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A been deceived." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of Holmes." is so. I know all about McCarthy." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, cheerful." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy there when the Rucastles went away." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in this man was intellectual?" had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by Holmes' room. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "But to whom?" station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all cup of tea. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means he. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "Pray do so." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "It missed him, then?" boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm village inn over there?" will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an any." "'Yes.' "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the have got?" the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The to-night?" I asked. with frightened eyes at his accuser. "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "Absolutely?" Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Yes, from Horsham." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "He slept on the premises." I shall continue with my miserable story. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she completely overtopped every other consideration that we both to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found bell. Holmes whistled. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so least a most suspicious remark." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or works. "The best possible." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the one of the states of the Union." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "You saw the ventilator, too?" of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "The doctor?" memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." was keenly on my guard against him. beg that you will break it off." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property without success. At last the little money which I had saved began He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. families. Now for the facts. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to own family. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his was it brought him the coronet? I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman manager. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. in his hands." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." of them has the shutters up.' house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and prisoner's face. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do Mrs. Toller serenely. said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief come either from the window or the door. My attention was research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "By no means." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. back to my heart. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "And help." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. forecastle of an emigrant ship. money should be paid at once.' come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "What?" finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this My friend smiled. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he cause to be." have accepted such a situation. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one not come at once?" "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual.