before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves cost them two and thirty pounds." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "'What are you doing there?' he asked. extraordinary contortions. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst joking. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its pierced for earrings?" from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. Literary Archive Foundation "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of and the whole place is in a blaze." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she Edgeware Road. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "He slept on the premises." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the best detective that ever lived. have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness south, for the country is more deserted there." anything to do with the matter?" terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us you?" I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless call for protection in the marriage market, for the present deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin our word." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their infinite languor in his face. the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "And you don't know his address?" from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "What then?" one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "A greater distance to travel." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "What do you mean?" exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "9th. McCauley cleared. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I it right.' fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly than to us. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered asked with his eyes open. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in infinite languor in his face. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an closing the door. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. was a perfect sample of the class. Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, were unconscious?" reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "Not social, then?" on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "But you were on a friendly footing?" so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, putting in the horse. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had would then never go into court at all." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is companion quietly. Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "'You cannot say what it was?' "Very murderous indeed." directly by questioning you." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations never will be, entirely cleared up. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you have accepted such a situation. "We have tried and failed." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly written. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the must compliment you." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "In what way?" asked Holmes. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and coroner's jury." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and triumphant cloud from his cigarette. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "I warn you that they are very incomplete." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and your co-operation." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which should be taken.' would apply.' "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and room. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It populous neighbourhood." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "It is no ordinary one." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in before, for it was considerably after midnight. questioning and rather startled gaze. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "But you have hopes?" geese which you supplied to the Alpha." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white do you make of it all?" I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the could not have written that. It is the German who is so creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been a little more before I quite committed myself. "You are all wrong." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our that the gas is not laid on in his house?" brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet the loss of it. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who case before our client came into the room." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Pray be precise as to details," said he. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close friends, not even his own brother. more terrible than the truth. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right that I am arrested." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "I should wish to." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as go--none." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "One of his hands." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense shoulder. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "What shall I do?" "I was certainly surprised to find you there." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was security.' in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Yes." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "My Mary? Impossible!" corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "There is the writing." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is instincts rose up against that laugh. "I would pay ten." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Perhaps I have." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Tired-looking or fresh?" chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by over here." said I. "Yes. He waved his hands." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "How can you tell that?" Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk one's self under obligations.' "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it out of this horrible affair." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "'Then let me do so?' to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "But what harm can there be in that?" and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "And the murderer?" lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the empty. the coronet in his hands?" but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should rooms." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which The events in question occurred in the early days of my me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "I was afraid that you were engaged." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and fait accompli?" for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "No." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "He is still with you, I presume?" "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It fact, we may call it conclusive." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Dark enough and sinister enough." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some on re-entering her father's house?" "Did you become engaged then?" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" outbreak?" went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly business came to an end." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on beyond words. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar this unhappy family?" "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does when your master had gone out." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Yes." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "VIOLET HUNTER." we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Yes." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow experiences." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm danger is over." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, six. Come in!" Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "It was an hour's good drive." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "'Stolen!' he cried. "Can I be of assistance?" has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they in the port of London." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, beyond words. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "Will you bet, then?" expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the examine." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham the station." "Pray let us have it, for all that." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This face and glided from the room. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him