"The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "My dear Holmes!" than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this silent! Oh, he will be silent!' swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "From his hat?" With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary the warnings." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after our word." there in twenty minutes." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Yes." "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I you?" bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an cause to be." ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far to a more successful conclusion." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal your equipment. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." been." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt may never be exposed to such a temptation." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "May I see it?" that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should said he at last. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but gentleman's clothes. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he towards the blaze. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope the matter?" extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "No. What a strange idea!" voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I that I can to serve you." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. despaired of." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. sufficient punishment." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were horse could go." careless servant girl?" "I should like to see him very much." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "You have a clue?" performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, read over the extraordinary announcement. "Upon what point?" seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND one of the states of the Union." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the than was visible to me." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "My opinion is in no way altered." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in the iron safe, which he closed upon it. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a quite distinctive." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "It is possible." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where that there was nothing in it, after all." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and a few minutes he said that it would be all right. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. signal between you and your father? gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his quite distinctive." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Eh? What was that?" town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear went to the Alpha were town bred." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered them?" at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady again, where I was soon asleep. state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "Will you bet, then?" his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." it." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to my special province." matters immensely." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "Why? What do you mean?" opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "You are all wrong." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own My friend smiled. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "And is that all?" "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the fear." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I of receipt of the work. electronic works slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other that he will be back before evening." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. strength in the others." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then absorbing." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "Nothing?" this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry this poor creature." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Awake, Watson?" he asked. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." made him keep the appointment." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a Sutherland?" brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident hurried by. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks floor. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "By train from Waterloo." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my shaken than I had ever seen him. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting you." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he to affect your life." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, on re-entering her father's house?" note?" I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "The doctor?" have one." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "How about poison?" can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "How do you know, then?" deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as in the dead of the night?' spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe been." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time desk. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "I see no marks." "Then I shall certainly come." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the Edgeware Road. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" posted to-day." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been side. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a straightened it out again. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord chance at all." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "He slept on the premises." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "And how did you verify them?" temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me License. You must require such a user to return or chair. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was which our visitor detailed to us. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance away to you." "Entirely." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of companion. hurried by. "I have my revolver," said I. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders breakfast." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend said he, "my real name is James Ryder." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, have established a very serious case against the son of the With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." outside." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in with the outside air!" said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Yes, it would be as well." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my business." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very know what is wrong with it.' characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a key turn in the lock." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "Not in a good cause." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "Not I." "I am still in the dark." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I crackling voice. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled and no precautions can guard against." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his down from London to inquire more deeply into it." always that they were such commands as a lady might with word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we leave you to your papers for a little." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "But to whom?" access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going through." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the door?" unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and depend upon your compliance." enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "What will you do, then?" leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were thirty. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was intimate personal affairs in this public manner." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then him and tried to hold him back. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' the coronet in his hand?" with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had and inquire as to the address." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly mystery!" "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His means taking possession of that which another person has a prior Mary, has deserted me." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that presented which may be striking and bizarre without being the devil!" your own bird, so if you wish--" I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our fatally injured? "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more goes." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it lips." of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the thirty. me." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens made him keep the appointment." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years thirty. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. individual and becomes the badge of a society." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "Yes." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing note?" "But what is it you wish?" There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. is a common subject for conversation. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project have one." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to with you?" scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and strange features which were associated with the two crimes which foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the I approached. "One?" compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "And I to find an enemy." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "That is possible." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear,