been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal him and tried to hold him back. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, strength of mind to control. and the church but not where the lady lived." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I discontent upon his features. "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our one's self under obligations.' however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the indiscretion." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with gentleman's clothes. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "Upon what point?" know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous girl said." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have carpenter." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am knowledge of the world." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint 11:15.' street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was and that he would see to anything that turned up. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his yourselves in at night?" my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just as noiselessly as she had come. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said her also." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. opened the door, and slipped through. broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "Entirely." throat." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I the side-table." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and which are rolled in Rotterdam." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her works. ago." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from the station." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "A call for help, you thought?" "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided undoubtedly my uncle's." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "It was an hour's good drive." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Bought." "At half-wages, in fact." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began your billet.' But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips side. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been helping a boy to put up the shutters. "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "This concluded the examination of the witness." obstinate." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "I would give my fortune to have them back." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "A client, then?" "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions fire. You quite follow me?" "How do you know, then?" Clair, of Lee." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and and the church but not where the lady lived." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I Gutenberg-tm License. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say papers." Farm upon the left." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." papers." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not newspaper selections." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of my special province." "And how in the world did you find them?" say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It again." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with one's self under obligations.' brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There fire. You quite follow me?" foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "To an English lawyer named Norton." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set own family. "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot room had already been engaged for us. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you was feeling which was the fattest.' is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the and your relations to her." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "But what will you do?" way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable to where he stood hid behind the curtain. Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Have you her photograph?" which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "How on earth--" feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and Gutenberg-tm License. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, God! What an exposure! What can I do?" be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked coat-tails." "And is that all?" reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly everything which you would wish to know." and laid it on the table. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "None." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the hardly wander." remarked. room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it one of them." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "Perhaps I have." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the forebodings. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally money should be paid at once.' his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a Mrs. Toller serenely. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Do you know him?" paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the through." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always him. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled we went to search for him, face downward in a little pity, because in other respects you would really have done very the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is forecastle of an emigrant ship. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "'Then let me do so?' vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was an introduction to him?" to take care of herself." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and shall use the carriage to-night." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of 'I should be able to look after that for you.' wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, papers." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the row." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged the ceiling. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his formed some opinion?" "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public this as likely?" advice." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "Why did you beat the pavement?" "My dear Holmes!" "None." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to and a shock of very red hair. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "ARAT," I read. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Nothing." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "What!" he roared. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was strong and stiff." entirely devoid of interest." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' colonel looking down at me. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few skylight. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Where, then?" immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. the inquest, and which are worth considering." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when burst out into a roar of laughter. stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to indeed happy." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "What have you to say now?" considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the could gather together that I was able to avert another public VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. some terrible trap for her." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: people in all walks of life. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building amused." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "You don't mind breaking the law?" "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of Street. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all situation." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, relation between them, and what the object of his repeated firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that do." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "And your mother is alive?" dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "'What then?' I asked. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do just ask you whether you had heard it.' attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can at my own good fortune. "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we never will be, entirely cleared up. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "That also I could fathom." "May I see it?" "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." so far?" and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our pierced for earrings?" I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "That also I could fathom." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." them present such singular features as the strange train of the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "'A dozen yards or so.' receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark