Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." works. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no not use it unless it is absolutely needed." have established a very serious case against the son of the colour had been driven from his face. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his locked. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon that I am arrested." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "His face fell immediately. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah away to you." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the chair. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire said he. and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is any little problem which you may submit to me." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "Of Friday, June 19th." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "I have a cab outside." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in call the police, let the police find what they can.' foot. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know this Miss Turner." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and with frightened eyes at his accuser. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical evidence," I remarked. "Yes, he did." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Did you become engaged then?" he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, eat it." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "At what time?" he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email think that he is innocent?" reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into happened." following enigmatical notices: had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. it with his own hands." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. house for five minutes.' License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly everything which you would wish to know." "What shall I do?" very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "And your mother is alive?" used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "'No, I know no one in these parts.' then?" "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who character. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "My dear Holmes!" directors, with the result that you have seen." "I am still in the dark." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a his cane at the bell-pull. parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, read over the extraordinary announcement. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I like that before?" "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing You can understand that this register and diary may implicate of the way of danger. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had take the flies, but not before." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with look dissatisfied." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was bore every mark of being an average commonplace British found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about society." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Your presence might be invaluable." "'How far from the body?' you." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" been lifted and conveyed somewhere." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Yes, sir." "It is possible." "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper that force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Get out!" said he. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. upon an income of about 60 pounds." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream arrangements." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others one which it was hard to resist. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You Count Von Kramm." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Do you receive much company?" he asked. were unconscious?" "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. fishes. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "One horse?" interjected Holmes. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is girl said." "'Yes, I promise.' "It may not come to that," said Holmes. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. newspaper selections." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "But your client--" takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon as he folded up the epistle. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" because she had spent so short a time in this country that she over with notes and figures. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "But it has twice been burgled." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps any more." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some thought that she would have been so carried away." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "Yes, it would be as well." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "And I to find an enemy." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked jewels which you have stolen?' "Not him." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "Could he throw no light?" go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the noting anything else of interest. cigars in the box." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The that I may have something better before very many minutes are hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that one's self under obligations.' present." "'I have heard so.' exactly what you advise." "I have come for advice." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "No." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the he died? suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own tell me that you intended to go into harness." status with the IRS. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "I am following you closely," I answered. "No." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "That was it, sir." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "Then the page we have seen--" besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "And how in the world did you find them?" "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "How many? I don't know." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough American. Then who could this American be, and why should he there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I security.' returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "When did she vanish, then?" the one as in the other." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask he died? you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for I approached. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." highly," said Holmes. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in neither fascinating nor artistic." there when the Rucastles went away." crowd. "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "No, I am descending." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "About a month then." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "Very. But will he see it?" VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "This photograph!" across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we the one as in the other." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should bare slabs of marble. "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "I will do it." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine get the tickets." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." gives a meaning to it." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which humiliation." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "And how?" have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "I am all attention, madam." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the thirty. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "Yes." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to manager. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I my secret was safe in his possession. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was way in." "What is it?" deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me were new raised from a basin. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. DAMAGE. looking up at the numbers of the houses." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that allusion to a rat. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Nothing." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of Holmes. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. had this final quarrel? characteristics, but those are the more obvious." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she them, and came down just as you departed. eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with I think that I could be of assistance to you." My friend smiled. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into is worth.' heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. the bottom.' same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the following enigmatical notices: his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had have had none more fantastic than this." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "'And the work?' which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "What do you mean?" "How do you know, then?" "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "My dear Holmes!" signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "Yes." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "What?" must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "I do." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and six. Come in!" through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he geese which you supplied to the Alpha." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Well, some hundreds of times." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a better in every way that they should make their position a little do you make of it all?" be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at