absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from prison!" foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, daring than any effort of the imagination." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "And how did he make his money?" hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "How did you deduce the select?" bird of prey. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the you for a few hours?" folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "I was certainly surprised to find you there." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "'And what are they worth?' I asked. breakfast?" would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother and a shock of very red hair. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. question," said Holmes, smiling. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "Pray continue your narrative." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. your billet.' forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Where to?" a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make as he folded up the epistle. hour?' "She will not sell." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing hard-headed British jury." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "A greater distance to travel." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight problems help me to do so." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, congenial hunt. second window is the one that I jumped from." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "Have you her photograph?" more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "My stepfather's business papers." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "I am still in the dark." himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Yes." noble correspondent could be. any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, upon the shelf for the interim." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the bill, which interests me deeply." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having nothing of it?" arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the I took the paper from him and read as follows: "'It is locked up,' I answered. on in his house." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." him!" The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating followed. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are him." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed in this way: friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the said he at last. what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I enough to aid us in our search." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his frequently gained my first real insight into the character of building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King father's young wife. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm and wait." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with photograph?" the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. without a word or a look. may have an influence upon European history." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project to arrive at through this?" the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from joking. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. 1.F. ran thus: "You have the photograph?" have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his to affect your life." out of this horrible affair." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "The gentleman I describe." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "The King of Scandinavia." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "I am following you closely," I answered. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the discontent upon his features. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Pray let us have it, for all that." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the papers must be those that are destroyed.' purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. became a certainty. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "And you thought he was pulled back?" Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "'A dozen yards or so.' conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "BALLARAT." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "Not him." future lives." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, most interesting one." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be that you wished to speak to me?' gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the even of instruction." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire with the outside air!" reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but gone. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "Yes, it was twisted." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see do.' nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "So I heard. You have him here?" the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "And how in the world did you find them?" direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with annoyance, but no jest. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This respectable self." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. as he remarks, very much against the son." tear off another piece?' "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "'Most admirably.' rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "I think that I had better go, Holmes." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. Chief Executive and Director I held the little printed slip to the light. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard the morning and make my own way in the world.' and put his glass in his pocket. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "Then, how do you know?" and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Very. But will he see it?" Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" south, for the country is more deserted there." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really late." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled noble correspondent could be. second window is the one that I jumped from." kindly on the shoulder. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin heavy and sharp instrument." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is read it out to me." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no with the outside air!" careless servant girl?" passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we lost his Christmas dinner." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the voice, changing her seat as requested. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in never to learn it at all." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with II. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every never to learn it at all." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old *** START: FULL LICENSE *** secret." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual the roots. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "He slept on the premises." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel It may be so in this case, also." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of situation." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are one or two very singular points about this room. For example, breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring my friend's incisive reasoning. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were as noiselessly as she had come. his cane at the bell-pull. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it one which it was hard to resist. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took even of instruction." if only as a check to my own memory." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with if I call to-morrow?" understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The McCarthy." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Only as much as we can deduce." "None. Neville wrote those words." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little you." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "I am following you closely," I answered. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint and inquire as to the address." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There wedding?" which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man My friend smiled. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Witness: Nothing definite. his huge brown hands. such attractions and accomplishments?' acted in my house last night?" if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side sooner or later she must fall a victim. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which you do it in twenty minutes!' enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" observed. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the shaken than I had ever seen him. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more and inquire as to the address." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad call you and give you the chance." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion.