"I was mad--insane." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From unprecedented a position." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend if only as a check to my own memory." photograph?" Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "'I have heard so.' nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK quick march!" continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing later, upon the night of May 2nd." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the my room." hour?' "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. directly by questioning you." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one the dangers which encompass me." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "And what then?" "How on earth--" for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "VIOLET HUNTER." Heh?' you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "How do you know, then?" Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "A greater distance to travel." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "Of what day?" "By train from Waterloo." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged that?' had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a enter into my head. again." "So I am. Very much so." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly The telegram which we eventually received came late one night I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "And now?" I asked. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Tired-looking or fresh?" side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "Stolen, then." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of of Mr. Rucastle's." lamp. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything Edgeware Road. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted new duties?' the tragedy. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads Surrey." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "'You cannot say what it was?' hopeless attempt at recovering them." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "'And what salary do you ask?' "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and Does that suggest anything?" the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' for the market.' test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they interest. They are important, you understand, without being narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite there has been an enclosure here!" pity, because in other respects you would really have done very is worth.' "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "What is it, then--a fire?" bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "I see no marks." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a outbreak?" spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "And for present expenses?" "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not distinguish the words: that I can to serve you." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its I. "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and entirely lost his self-respect." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had that, and I came down." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. side. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out forecastle of an emigrant ship. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and of the one which your family is now devouring." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a garden below. is worth.' "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. public press." "I cannot tell." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a was it brought him the coronet? "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "You will not go there first?" "I fear not." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have always that they were such commands as a lady might with "You were travelling in the States?" them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "At half-wages, in fact." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "At what time?" "'Is 4 pounds a week.' before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will that threaten you." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which awaited us upon the table. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a must be when I saw the door open.' of the way of danger. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." records." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has have one." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no you in yours." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. certainly do as you advise." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and with the outside air!" for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Ten will be early enough." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I to some other building. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "Ah, but I was recommended to you." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "He said that you could solve anything." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. girl said." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and situation." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "But she could not love him." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, Chief Executive and Director "But what will you do?" "Absolutely none." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "But how will you look?" and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there what do you think they found in the pockets?" "Can I be of assistance?" occupations.' PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which seven miles from Eyford Station.' All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would went to the Alpha were town bred." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off is worth.' knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He me. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to status with the IRS. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest placed his cuttings. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Perhaps we may make them less so." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of this Miss Turner." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "Then the page we have seen--" over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole to take care of herself." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise tension within him. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her Literary Archive Foundation downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very your sleep?' and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees fish-monger and a tide-waiter." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons have an American origin." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What corner of the building. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "He disappeared so suddenly." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to not interfere, come what may. You understand?" man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Then, as to money?" rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. been deceived." "Yes, sir." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the opportunities to fix the problem. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and his face. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these what I may call a really hard day's work." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if cheerful." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "Where to?" from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small the matter?" said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "I will do it." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into everything which you would wish to know." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "Is he quiet?" will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own your bag." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg the station." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "He might." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "It's nothing of the kind." "Not social, then?" there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "And how did you find out?" a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which have an American origin." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. it right.' of a light. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' too. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Here?" woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "And it is--" it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, What do you deduce from it?" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR the night.' what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing their singular warning or token before them when starting upon to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off envelope. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not be. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the indeed happy." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of The events in question occurred in the early days of my again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "But we can't all be." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "And I to find an enemy." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "Not particularly." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that the Red-headed League." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old which it had come upon my father." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" do you make of it all?" rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into