cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "I have a cab outside." the devil!" returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' to go into your room and bar your shutters?" of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the me. Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "What will you do, then?" produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great to-night?' money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Witness: I must still refuse. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Yes." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I but preventing her from injuring another. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you vague figure huddled up in the darkness. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of would apply.' pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low IS them, and came down just as you departed. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up could go. "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Was your sister dressed?" ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said this Miss Turner." province." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "My photograph." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "None." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which made him keep the appointment." you give your casting vote to?" have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from God! What an exposure! What can I do?" lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of place no limit on the sum I may draw." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H that you saw all that I did." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found you?' he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "A thing like a cleaver," said he. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your his eyes and forehead. Cross for the Continent." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "Yes, there are nearly always some there." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at whereabouts. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to and laid it on the table. very morning of my second wedding." "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his to his chemical studies. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "How did that help you?" will find little credit to be gained out of this case." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, swore that no one else had been in the front room during the effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, ceremony." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of papers." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Perhaps we may make them less so." round with crates and massive boxes. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation writers could invent nothing more crude." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed in a very precise fashion." is now desirous of getting those letters back." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "You have but to name it." "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of criminal. We have already had experience of such." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "It goes to the housekeeper's room." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a whole matter to your consideration." "'There is a drive, then?' important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible orange pips. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "When did it break out?" "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of was once confined in the cab my mission was practically is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. about. o'clock is it?" "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "Yes?" warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him always that they were such commands as a lady might with from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I have an American origin." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. observed. it. "She will not sell." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "'Where could I find him?' his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life 'I should be able to look after that for you.' is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing thin legs towards the fire. of receipt of the work. did not hear it also.' see me here to avoid scandal." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Yes, it was twisted." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary conceal it?" facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the existence." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing distance from the station, and there we found the young lady over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She sneer upon his pale face. guilty parties." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and must compliment you." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "What do you mean?" which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave fear." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "And you can do nothing until then?" "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us existence." "In heaven's name, what for?" "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "You don't mind breaking the law?" their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle in his hands." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to think you a quite exceptional woman." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "You have compromised yourself seriously." in this note: husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he his forehead." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. cheerful." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to that I am arrested." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, in the port of London." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would wanted for ourselves." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the in. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so ran thus: that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "I should wish to." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "VIOLET HUNTER." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes had picked up in the wood. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the was a perfect sample of the class. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. disturbance in my wife." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "And is that all?" season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." I approached. carpenter." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his to talk it over. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid look upon these things in a different way." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "Yes." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose II. row." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "Proceed, then." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "My dear Holmes!" "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "He disappeared so suddenly." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save side. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of strode off upon his way. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "She walked into the breakfast-room." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming to that open window." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and you in your example." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say several quiet little villages up there." "Then what has happened to him?" through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I then?" depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "'And the work?' light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "And why?" Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a me upon any point which I do not make clear." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, Eyford." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" becomes even more simple." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation Eyford at 11:15.' people don't know." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Which are?" was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of Sutherland?" "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." of the way of danger. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "But she will refuse." "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "By no means." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a outside." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "Then I can wait in the next room." think that he is innocent?" - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that the inner apartment." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense back to my heart. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "'Quite sure, dad.' remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. goes." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted