would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is the ceiling. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in way: to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom closing the door. charge against him will break down." "I see no marks." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. never came back." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. the very morning of the wedding." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "My dear Holmes!" it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem public press." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same is a common subject for conversation. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my floor. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at and no precautions can guard against." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right door?" "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. Munro.' for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND lumber-room." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of you do it in twenty minutes!' Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, said Mr. Holder. placed his cuttings. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution to Leatherhead. the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "Of Friday, June 19th." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "It is solved." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was of the one which your family is now devouring." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin chance." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. me have 200 pounds?' house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry stalked out of the room. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "I am about to be married." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Pray tell us what has happened to you." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no have established a very serious case against the son of the strength." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "'And the work?' clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge strode off upon his way. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my companion. the ceiling. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. think, you have already met." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are at a side door. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that correct than the official force." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found galvanised. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend investigation." "But how did you gain them?" "Breckinridge is his name." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Eh? What was that?" compunction about shooting them down." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up a very grave face. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to them?" dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens all-comprehensive glances. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. nonsense.' Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead singular points about the case. What did the police think of the absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "'Is 4 pounds a week.' across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have you." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the directors, with the result that you have seen." and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "I was sure that I might rely on you." could not have written that. It is the German who is so "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "We must have a cab." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. off." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "A confidential servant?" up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and for and were ordered to this address. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the some city in a dream. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and License. You must require such a user to return or the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That of the way of danger. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit shaken than I had ever seen him. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the think, you have already met." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and brought there to personate someone, and the real person is station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice presume?" of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "You have the photograph?" an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it of his shoulders. wife's character?" have I gained?" agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is Surrey." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw Eyford." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more present strange and interesting features that it is no easy is worth.' "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry tell him that I know him to be innocent." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then begin with, and I had not got mine yet." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "My dear Holmes!" was keenly on my guard against him. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and roused himself from his reverie. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' works. See paragraph 1.E below. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," lips." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray before, for it was considerably after midnight. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw should be taken.' had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "'Yes, I promise.' There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "'Certainly,' I answered. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "'Not at all. I only doubt--' Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be invisible to me," I remarked. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at God! What an exposure! What can I do?" clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a all?" have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, overpowering excitement and concern. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen of a light. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, asked with his eyes open. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." His name is Francis Prosper." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be habit of advancing money.' case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the McCarthy's innocence. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about go from here to the Strand." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the name is different." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Yes, that is the Crown." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "Where is it, then?" Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "And for present expenses?" age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, and the colonel ushered me in. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily to-night's adventure." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average have I gained?" ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. where she found matters as described by the last witness. his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we served to weaken the effect. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was be. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have the devil!" defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from events, Mr. Windibank!" of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was to arrive at through this?" where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a this as likely?" "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we again before evening." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before disappearance of these gems?" outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser is so. I know all about McCarthy." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The visitors." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were You can understand that this register and diary may implicate Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "It is very clear." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, I think that I could be of assistance to you." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was best detective that ever lived. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do voice. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "Game for a morning drive?" the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the learned something! Where are the gems?" "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You crime." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I direction." "How did he come?" have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No other means.' them present such singular features as the strange train of it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I