"Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "Not social, then?" October 9, 1890. "No, thank goodness, she did not." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I is now desirous of getting those letters back." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on of the one which your family is now devouring." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently chair. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "No. His orders were to stay in the house." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope certainly do as you advise." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "In what way?" asked Holmes. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William signal between you and your father? that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "The doctor?" stalked out of the room. Holmes' room. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I You want to know what became of those geese?" have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any man. could not have written that. It is the German who is so without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "So I heard. You have him here?" greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange future lives." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. returning from some small jollification and was making his way that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no out." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "'Stolen!' he cried. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both tell him that I know him to be innocent." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so to his chemical studies. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "And how have you succeeded?" to that open window." tied." papers." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to chill to my heart. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were the matter." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or of it with the greatest attention. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As heavy and sharp instrument." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His to tackle the facts." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to the side-table." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward few hundred pounds.' the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "By no means." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. there in twenty minutes." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he bird of prey. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she have been better. It is all right." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did shall use the carriage to-night." events, Mr. Windibank!" "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock point our research must commence, and we will begin it by hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "Thank you. And your address?" to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another and files of the old papers, following the future career of every meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so congenial hunt. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, legal crime." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly round with crates and massive boxes. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my do." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, our word." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If some water from a caraffe. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself away in different directions, and I went off to make my own daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "Nothing?" ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall nothing of it?" fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was Countess of Morcar's?" "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar call for protection in the marriage market, for the present cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. electronic works ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "I am following you closely," I answered. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Will you go?" McCarthy." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to was once confined in the cab my mission was practically DAMAGE. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." three fields round his house, and there he would take his continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would know what is wrong with it.' case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight pound a week." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into together. are windows in it, of course?" things are very often connected not with the larger but with the acquaintance?" "It is solved." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon me upon any point which I do not make clear." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than What do you deduce from it?" my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Was there a secret marriage?" "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his upon an income of about 60 pounds." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, article?" contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "I should wish to." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do through." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "The knees of his trousers." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to to take care of herself." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the a monotonous occupation." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the the stable lane now." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to of the efforts of the United States government and of the better itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my My friend smiled. one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "Witness: It was. business matters.' "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross introspective fashion. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for assist you in forming an opinion." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very had died away into the silence from which it rose. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no at once, for I have only half an hour." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself woven round him. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any was keenly on my guard against him. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." fasten all the windows?" there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "What will you say?" which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "Was there a secret marriage?" them?" that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into status with the IRS. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare never came back." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was it? Did I buy the geese off you?" do.' Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and together. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "By no means." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "'I am sure if I had known--' would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I companion. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "The knees of his trousers." think that he is innocent?" or in danger--" tail." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against Lestrade of Scotland Yard." all?" companion imperturbably. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name unprecedented a position." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." papers." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "No more words. Get out!" was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. this Miss Turner." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he light and attacked it." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend considering the formidable letters which were received by himself and shall probably return to London by the evening train." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "No. What a strange idea!" nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now we went to search for him, face downward in a little which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built read over the extraordinary announcement. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow brought there to personate someone, and the real person is as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and furiously. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "What! You do not mean bodies?" of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "What do you make of that, Watson?" "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and yourselves in at night?" compunction about shooting them down." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several the Friday. Was it to be in church?" as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the open." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been one of the states of the Union." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was she has been waylaid. There has been no result." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "They are typewritten," I remarked. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and 1.F. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress as he remarks, very much against the son." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "And you don't know his address?" France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." have had none more fantastic than this." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to you?' Have you good authority for what you say?" "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "And now?" I asked. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without undoubtedly my uncle's." "What! a murderous attack?" you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an notes," he said. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations with frightened eyes at his accuser. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "It must be recovered." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. distance from the station, and there we found the young lady not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "And how did he make his money?" rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody in his power. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough good for you to do.' Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "'Then let me do so?' not come at once?" dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A desk. rose-bushes. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink asked. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows obstinate." "So I have heard." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "She showed me, as I told you she would." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and