heavy and sharp instrument." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "I see many objections to any such theory." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? writer." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it is," said he presently: formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to back into the street. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in peculiar to him. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he For additional contact information: should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "She walked into the breakfast-room." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened the very letters. But what is this written above them?' corner of the building. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit that you wished to speak to me?' some terrible trap for her." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "What will you say?" "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for forecastle of an emigrant ship. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a all that?" cigars in their mouths. following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of that there was nothing in it, after all." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not there when the Rucastles went away." fasten all the windows?" It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a is so. I know all about McCarthy." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those most interesting one." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached here." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "And you don't know his address?" success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who main points of my analysis." key of the affair now." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing official police." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between beg that you will break it off." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to felt the room to be a little close.' brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident success. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "'Is 4 pounds a week.' accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing union?" dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the details." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "'There is a drive, then?' whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police man. I know him from the photograph." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. Holmes rather sternly. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with Pope's Court, Fleet Street." fasten all the windows?" Sholtos." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose husband's writing, madam." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that the child." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who to me. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son III. even of instruction." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "But he might be a bachelor." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we again, where I was soon asleep. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "And how did you find out?" he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip instituted." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in little trying to do so much typewriting?" finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Yes." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several murdered man." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, from the brougham. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "Were they all fastened this morning?" asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a fire. You quite follow me?" "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you your Highness to the police-station?" look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "'You doubt its value?' he asked. admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what delirious. Street. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." with you alone." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open directors have had misgivings upon the subject." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "But how could you guess what the motive was?" I shall communicate with you." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "'Yes, I promise.' suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "'As governess?' http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "But his left-handedness." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "What have you to say now?" for its centre. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "And the murderer?" has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a McCarthy." me what he had done with the three missing stones. shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "I assure you that I am in your hands." "A confidential servant?" appointment with me for six o'clock?" Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' business." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton charge against him will break down." behind me. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I look dissatisfied." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms the room while you explain this matter?" you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we in a very precise fashion." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Which are?" rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "Was he the only applicant?" glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand and I shall be with you presently." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" lost nothing by them." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back might have a private word with us. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" at my own good fortune. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy brandy and water within his reach. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' not fit the lock." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Will you bet, then?" VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "No, finished." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the which our visitor detailed to us. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "How are you getting on?" the bed, and you in that chair." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, pictures, libraries, or plate. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Stolen." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of felt?" "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "He might." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "That sounds a little paradoxical." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds subject to the trademark license, especially commercial written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you meanly of me." "What will you do, then?" which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with crime. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "It is very kind of you." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the be best to do. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE putting in the horse. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he place, I think that there is good ground to think that the that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and gone before you can get him to hospital." a good hundred miles off by now." "You know me, then?" river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't putting in the horse. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "Your French gold?" "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or bill, which interests me deeply." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, said he. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and should be so warm over such a trifle." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "Certainly." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. photograph?" the coronet at all injured?" It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." at my remark. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and system of imprisonment?" "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, lids now and glanced across at his visitor. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "Thank you. And your address?" hand, madam?" once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was people don't know." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, vague figure huddled up in the darkness. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "'Never.' remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "In which, sir?" little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His into the bag, and made for the door. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in key turn in the lock." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "Pray tell us what has happened to you." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement to affect your life." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "His face fell immediately. "No." Henry Baker is a member." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "Yes." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which me where it went to?" "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "Really! You surprise me." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. undoubtedly my uncle's." this as likely?" we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty might have a private word with us. case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had Again Holmes raved in the air. "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. off." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful be sorry for having acted so harshly." murdered man." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that trying to your nerves." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon whatever might befall. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "Not in the least." past. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the