as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may interest. They are important, you understand, without being "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of has little to do with my story." "Very truly yours, "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Dr. Becher's." to tell." "Did he not advertise?" with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is annoyance, but no jest. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "Oh, yes, easily." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a round and wave him away like that.' "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return have been better. It is all right." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "Yes." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Yes." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "It's nothing of the kind." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, be best to do. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the use an arc-and-compass breastpin." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and down. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me key of the affair now." the running down." was feeling which was the fattest.' "Two days later this same performance was gone through under the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. true." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that ran thus: sparkled upon his finger. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "No, but the enclosure is." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting will he say when he returns?" "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, said he. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord gone. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "The gentleman I describe." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and investigation." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "In the cells." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up weary and pale-looking. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "Precisely so. But how--" wife's character?" "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the have I gained?" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' and the colonel ushered me in. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "Quite so. She has her freedom." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Thank you. Pray proceed." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. upon an income of about 60 pounds." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "How did you deduce the select?" villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was so far?" him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more know all about it," he snarled. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of photograph?" "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "And Irene Adler?" this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "But the mystery?" those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is unprofitable." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Yes." as noiselessly as she had come. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this come either from the window or the door. My attention was helping a boy to put up the shutters. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "I was afraid that you were engaged." cigars in their mouths. "And sit in the dark?" has little to do with my story." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But some mystery and the punishment of some crime." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. father's young wife. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out bill, which interests me deeply." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "You will not go there first?" succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught companion quietly. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." I nodded to show that I had heard. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "I have solved it." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project upon an income of about 60 pounds." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow indeed which he could not unravel. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and papers." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "I don't believe it." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "No, I am descending." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "I cannot tell." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads because she had spent so short a time in this country that she Sutherland?" weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard in your London, you will know that the office of the company is the best of training." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Of what day?" story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from of note-paper. It read in this fashion: His name is Francis Prosper." "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. seen the man in the road." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear But Holmes shook his head gravely. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the this Miss Turner." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in and all of them with the keenest interest. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "And I say east," said my patient. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." that, and I came down." Holmes. lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. it. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "'Entirely.' from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Yes." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself leaning back in his chair. "What do you mean?" thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four forbidden door. time." meanly of me." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "I cannot say that I have." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will Pope's Court. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to awkward doing business with an alias." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, himself. you in your example." Sutherland?" of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back the morning and make my own way in the world.' "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my your equipment. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke leaning back in his chair. over with notes and figures. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out way in everything. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened speckled band?" bonnet, and went out." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could hurried away. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "What! Had he lost his wife?" him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is the very morning of the wedding." impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock she to prove their authenticity?" to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. must be when I saw the door open.' had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person invisible to me," I remarked. where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "My Mary? Impossible!" nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's approach us with offers to donate. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked main points of my analysis." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "I warn you that they are very incomplete." is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Will you bet, then?" "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a had died away into the silence from which it rose. conclusions. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his because she had spent so short a time in this country that she Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the horse could go." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "She told me to ask you." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the his huge brown hands. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "It is possible." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and the coronet in his hands?" whether it answered to the description of any of their Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in wife's character?" to you." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "'Yes, sir.' Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, already referred to. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor habit of advancing money.' method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "Was he the only applicant?" could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all