call for it in person on Monday morning.' Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" crowd. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, opened the door, and slipped through. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some fled together." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely during the last few years, and there are many noble families to keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is as this. Pray let me have the details." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Was he the only applicant?" appeal." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I way: face and glided from the room. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the that?' conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some been with you?" are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms crime. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. society." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful his eyes and forehead. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in been deceived." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." Doctor, of the paper and the date." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little charge against him will break down." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Perhaps I have." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, events, Mr. Windibank!" "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate an introduction to him?" the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a is entirely a question of barometric pressure." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "Deserted you?" "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, go back?" "Quite so." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips corner of the building. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good grasp, he hurried from the room. Street. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "Then I can wait in the next room." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, chambers. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, I shall continue with my miserable story. hour?' Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." have accepted such a situation. have not had my rubber." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the the night.' some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Witness: Nothing definite. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were me." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "'Certainly not. But why?' rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, that I am arrested." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I States. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so learned something! Where are the gems?" The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. four million human beings all jostling each other within the agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an room had already been engaged for us. "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "When did she vanish, then?" All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Always." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I and the whole place is in a blaze." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is details should find their way into the papers. Inspector had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "You know me, then?" moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds promised to bring home. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "Then the page we have seen--" beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a some terrible trap for her." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses threw himself down with his face to the pillow. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few been shamefully used." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "And why?" the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be ready to-morrow?' With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left October 9, 1890. "We have tried and failed." IS with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. letters?" possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of the tragedy. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon straightened it out again. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. to take care of herself." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "What are they?" "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My the stones. master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "Absolutely?" "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "He said that you could solve anything." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "I would pay ten." the warnings." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. affection." your own bird, so if you wish--" the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "Very. But will he see it?" Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Then I am your man." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, future lives." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a may never be exposed to such a temptation." had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always the bed, and you in that chair." "Whose house is it?" "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Yes?" until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have shoulder. you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the of the vacancies.' "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds details." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then about. "Absolutely none." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "And how in the world did you find them?" which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "My Mary? Impossible!" twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. shall not find me ungrateful." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "'Stolen!' he cried. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. examine." strength in the others." "Ha! you find it so?" "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might room?" right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "Yes, I have one waiting." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' on in his house." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of good for you to do.' so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "Pray let us have it, for all that." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather Holmes' thin, eager face. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "If so, much may have happened between." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "So it appears." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "You were travelling in the States?" ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, bore every mark of being an average commonplace British thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a 'I should be able to look after that for you.' first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He head. So long, then!" with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "No, I am descending." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Certainly, madam." "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "Yes." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a bird of prey. away to you." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Then I am your man." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than kind enough to tell me what I should do." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a a suggestive one." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "I have seen the police." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me felt?" never to learn it at all." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of so.' with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "He slept on the premises." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and is so. I know all about McCarthy." "Have you it here?" the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Oh, fresh and glossy." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My Literary Archive Foundation and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "None." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this best detective that ever lived. colonel looking down at me. which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "My own seal." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. heavily into it. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Where to?" sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." mysterious business." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "'Yes, sir.' husband's writing, madam." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; relief. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his persecution?" slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "I never have." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "It is possible." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in in him." weary and pale-looking. after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "'It is locked up,' I answered. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "It goes to the housekeeper's room." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit to-morrow." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his You can understand that this register and diary may implicate that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her written, and locked the door of the office after me. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous