should be taken.' sneer upon his pale face. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. against a man in the prime of life?" were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Her father is very rich?" about. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." present." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "Will you bet, then?" but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand arrangements." interest. They are important, you understand, without being for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "No, finished." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "Yes, it was twisted." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "Nothing?" who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the the warnings." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was there were so many in the whole country as were brought together directly by questioning you." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I You want to know what became of those geese?" Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. think that any burglar could have done. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As might help us?" and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Is he quiet?" "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have fat-encircled eyes. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event be best to do. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She records." "In San Francisco, a year ago." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where horse could go." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "'Tell me all about it,' said I. Clair, of Lee." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "That also I could fathom." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and breakfast and whispered something to her husband. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "Come in!" said he. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in the coronet at all injured?" seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of chance." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "In answer to an advertisement." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have tell them apart.' not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "I should wish to." "'Certainly,' I answered. feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your think that any burglar could have done. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy the side-table." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were business." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been hereditary King of Bohemia." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, lost his Christmas dinner." chance." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he everything which you would wish to know." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a was feeling which was the fattest.' also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the records." very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name pity, because in other respects you would really have done very trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, second." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only purpose equally well?" We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "And how have you succeeded?" that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is nice household for a young lady." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "So I heard. You have him here?" the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It beyond words. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. that I may have something better before very many minutes are chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "I am all attention, madam." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your said he, "my real name is James Ryder." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "'I have already given you my word.' wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, putting in the horse. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if felt the room to be a little close.' days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "Of what day?" awaited us upon the table. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** ways of our fellow-men." in the hope of finding them." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "'And the work?' brain must have something in it." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "No sign of it?" "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and for and were ordered to this address. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper October 9, 1890. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful straightened it out again. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the is entirely a question of barometric pressure." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "How did you trace it, then?" "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "Your sister is dead, then?" importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were questionable one." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great the so-precious time, but come!' "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich at once, for I have only half an hour." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms asked. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was flock.' shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "Where did he live, then?" "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to III. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it success. "There are none." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which room?" examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his know all about it," he snarled. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "'Is purely nominal.' "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "Nothing." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the sooner or later she must fall a victim. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "It came here." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' chair. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND you in your example." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "Will you go?" "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "I have solved it." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a ran thus: address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his man. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of felt?" "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing the very letters. But what is this written above them?' from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' distance from the station, and there we found the young lady room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "I have my revolver," said I. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on following enigmatical notices: Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the Lee, in the county of Kent." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a present strange and interesting features that it is no easy down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord you." appeared upon the scene." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be ill-usage at the hands of fortune. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from one else, I think." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are meanly of me." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. business?" And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. could not have written that. It is the German who is so he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "I warn you that they are very incomplete." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "I have solved it." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the quite distinctive." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "What do you mean?" "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "I have hopes." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something was already answered. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. exactly what you advise." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." him. felt the room to be a little close.' started for the Temple to see my husband. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with up this clue while it is still hot." "Not particularly." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "'You cannot say what it was?' would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt affair. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "Then I am your man." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has his cane at the bell-pull. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella face and glided from the room. first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked vanished into the darkness. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only front of me. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing or in danger--" his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "'Certainly not.' "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while acted in my house last night?" "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his guilty one." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Seven!" I answered. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the License. You must require such a user to return or gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not on in his house." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the that the gas is not laid on in his house?" would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she gone. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "You think so, too?" to talk it over. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "'Yes, sir.' "And you don't know his address?" here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "Then, how do you know?" therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a friends, not even his own brother. "Will you bet, then?" "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from as the one I chose?' unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must