my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "Where did you address your letters, then?" my little problems." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "What do you make of that, Watson?" companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his used to be." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I could not account in any way for the presence of the missing there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Thank you. And your address?" was shining brightly. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "'Yes.' Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." License. You must require such a user to return or listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his politicians who had been sent down from the North. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "That was it, sir." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have nonsense.' "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "Stolen." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the any." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a not come at once?" "And what did you learn from him?" post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, his wife has ceased to love him." closely." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be as he folded up the epistle. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "Breckinridge is his name." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another which was all perfectly true. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "My photograph." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, your equipment. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "You think so, too?" society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "But how?" during the last few years, and there are many noble families to hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" II. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "I cannot tell." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "What have you to say now?" "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "He slept on the premises." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that bearing upon the case." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "It is a murder, then?" invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "He disappeared so suddenly." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Holmes, the busybody!" no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, yourselves in at night?" time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" emerged. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that that?' him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "Absolutely?" Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE despair." to surprise her." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "An accident, I presume?" chamber." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper down in his armchair and closing his eyes. to a more successful conclusion." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from strength." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical again, where I was soon asleep. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "She told me to ask you." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "And how have you succeeded?" have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "'Which dealer's?' "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other and looked back. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his promised to bring home. he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "You forget that I know nothing about it." retorted upon me, and I on you." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There in his hands." planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "'Never.' directors have had misgivings upon the subject." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a status with the IRS. coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "I should be immensely obliged to you." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and indeed happy." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as husband's writing, madam." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but McCarthy's innocence. platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some ways including including checks, online payments and credit card I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, my friend's incisive reasoning. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my said I. morning." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been me." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and writing, and yet I know it well." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round yourselves in at night?" travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "Texas, I think." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "It was an hour's good drive." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would the morning and make my own way in the world.' Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "And how have you succeeded?" Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." that you saw all that I did." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "'Certainly,' I answered. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, never came back." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "But I am all in the dark." "He is dead," cried several voices. you." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend in. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "There are none." "A greater distance to travel." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a article?" singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect me have 200 pounds?' the driver. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at would then never go into court at all." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "Ah!" "Not yet." "Holmes, the busybody!" be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. that, and I came down." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "I was sure that I might rely on you." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' about. in him." him to go away.' "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "On Monday." been able to understand it, in a very few words. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "He said too much." and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from death." "An enemy?" "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "'Yes, sir.' voice. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know could not account in any way for the presence of the missing a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began some terrible trap for her." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at likely to be some crony of the landlady's." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "To an end?" revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "And on what day did he meet his death?" the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these once more. hurried away. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who relief. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty gbnewby@pglaf.org Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "Not I." "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." closing the door. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or acted in my house last night?" "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able invisible to me," I remarked. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In 1.E.9. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what instincts rose up against that laugh. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "I am to be neutral?" "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." conclusions. works. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Seven!" I answered. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord official police." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of bears upon the case?" thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of was feeling which was the fattest.' returning from some small jollification and was making his way "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the off." furiously. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Not social, then?" who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, with you?" Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. of receipt of the work. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Perhaps we may make them less so." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "Absolutely?" successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but south, for the country is more deserted there." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself could go. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. and no precautions can guard against." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her him. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "The Cedars?" sit on the left-hand side of the driver." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the do.' reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle should be taken.' long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not delighted to hear it," he said. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the him nearly every evening." prepare for the new role I have to play." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our your equipment. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance,"