suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I instincts rose up against that laugh. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how and wait." soul! here is her carriage at the door." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Pray do so." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "My dear Holmes!" jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated meant it for the best. to surprise her." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was that?' William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both what I may call a really hard day's work." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid McCarthy." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting thought that she would have been so carried away." "'Which dealer's?' money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "'You doubt its value?' he asked. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Is he quiet?" conclusions. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are Sutherland?" was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A to-night." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "'You cannot say what it was?' and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, present." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would to have that photograph." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your to a light-house. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was bed dies. Does not that strike you?" to me. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "My opinion is in no way altered." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has tightly behind him. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "She walked into the breakfast-room." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, weapon." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards I took the paper from him and read as follows: so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "The rest you will leave in our hands." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be a monotonous occupation." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "Which are?" observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah you want, then?' continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland felt the room to be a little close.' superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to on in his house." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for all-comprehensive glances. "Have you her photograph?" right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the forehead. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my all?" "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of http://gutenberg.net/license). had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited the bed, and you in that chair." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "My dear Holmes!" parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely disappearance of the bride.'" a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "I guessed as much." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "And help." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far a suggestive one." records." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old This is what he says: "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly what is your own theory as to what took place?" "I say it is." asked with his eyes open. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. Edgeware Road. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "You think so, too?" when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "He disappeared so suddenly." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be a suggestive one." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had the very morning of the wedding." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "Did he not advertise?" can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came business came to an end." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "None." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the during which he might have communicated with his friend the "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Then I do not see the point." "No. What a strange idea!" "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "I cannot tell." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a think you a quite exceptional woman." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "'Yes.' "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite think, you have already met." within hail.' which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it business came to an end." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing and laid it on the table. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "A call for help, you thought?" can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" narrative." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his Sholtos." manager. your bag." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few returned to France?" out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "Will you bet, then?" "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic time." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my there is a decided draught." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "She will not sell." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he which it had come upon my father." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly my room." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what served to weaken the effect. There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "9th. McCauley cleared. "None." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "What, then?" "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined important." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a His smile broadened. "'Yes.' Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "What then?" chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as present strange and interesting features that it is no easy last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "'Certainly not. But why?' "You forget that I know nothing about it." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important quite distinctive." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" is," said he presently: "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is mysterious end." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "But your client--" chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' there." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and one else, I think." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but have an American origin." chance." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the over part of the map. "What do you read?" myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. following enigmatical notices: customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." man. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of go back?" "Upon what point?" license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "That is easily got." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "I am about to be married." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive chance." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and felt?" a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "We must have a cab." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "I don't believe it." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "'Very good.' six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was questionable one." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so II. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "'How far from the body?' withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by seen the man in the road." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "No, thank goodness, she did not." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "And did you observe any change in her then?" south, for the country is more deserted there." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was him!" me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the strength." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked tell me that you intended to go into harness." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND in his hands." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "But what will you do?" those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "You have a clue?" back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H sparkled upon his finger. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and said he at last. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "How many? I don't know." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my into the bag, and made for the door. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who meanly of me." must compliment you." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would hands.