endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one your room." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "If I can be of use." she to prove their authenticity?" In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Have you it here?" Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a chance." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if The summons was a brief and urgent one. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the fact, we may call it conclusive." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "Yes, the wine-cellar." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of round and wave him away like that.' "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked where we are going." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and straighten it?" step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Yes, it was twisted." to his chemical studies. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a What do you deduce from it?" wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had was not a bird to be seen there. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's them, and came down just as you departed. http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while placed his cuttings. "'I am sure if I had known--' "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, with frightened eyes at his accuser. few hundred pounds.' you in your example." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "'And the work?' back to my heart. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an of your young ladies.' I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "I will get her to show me." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "Do you know him?" distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "None." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to wall." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which and files of the old papers, following the future career of every bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction Pope's Court, Fleet Street." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the or in danger--" from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 window when the police appeared." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" guilty parties." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning Holmes. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to that there was nothing in it, after all." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of so far?" wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the Henry Baker is a member." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded that I am arrested." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and highroad, where all traces were lost. "I have solved it." as the one I chose?' inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life house for five minutes.' "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "It may not come to that," said Holmes. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California way: we went to search for him, face downward in a little cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a come either from the window or the door. My attention was note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of the loss of it. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "Nearly eleven." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of in the port of London." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner intrusion of other matters." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to which we had just quitted. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful very peculiar words of the dying woman?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "But to whom?" has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a the bed, and you in that chair." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of tell them apart.' gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know know what is wrong with it.' Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "From his hat?" this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "I came to find a friend." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I persecution?" and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that bonnet, and went out." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Nothing." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can politicians who had been sent down from the North. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Really! You surprise me." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' remarked. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Ample." "Pray continue your narrative." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was what is your own theory as to what took place?" "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and companion imperturbably. morning." "It is very clear." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Pray do so." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was should be so warm over such a trifle." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "And you thought he was pulled back?" "You have the photograph?" "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "From his hat?" "And I to find an enemy." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked anything to do with the matter?" rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Who was the criminal, then?" knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "But your client--" have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have furiously. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round strong reason behind." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. electronic works Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission breakfast and whispered something to her husband. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to to that open window." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "The knees of his trousers." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." despair." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the handed it to him. the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either seven miles from Eyford Station.' a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which your most interesting statement." second." always that they were such commands as a lady might with what I may call a really hard day's work." unprofitable." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "No sign of it?" "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before back alive. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love the best of training." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the stammered. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "I will get her to show me." were new raised from a basin. "And sit in the dark?" saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I of the one which your family is now devouring." "I am in hopes that she does." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of all that?" chance." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a weighed down with some great anxiety. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "But how?" His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if indeed happy." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the desk. existence." "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" and your relations to her." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded appeal." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, conceal it?" what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." until night should bring an explanation. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "'Yes, it was gone.' protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "No sign of it?" what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "A call for help, you thought?" waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped second window is the one that I jumped from." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a felt?" did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Then I am your man." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his the so-precious time, but come!' between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull families. Now for the facts. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to advice." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man appointment with me for six o'clock?" James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will disturbance in my wife." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly not personally threatened." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you astonishment. "And how have you succeeded?" stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "'It is locked up,' I answered. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a get the tickets." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not true." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "A greater distance to travel." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "Yes. He waved his hands." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like vague figure huddled up in the darkness. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the nonsense.' lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "No." one's self under obligations.' from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "'Certainly not. But why?' chamber." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. copied or distributed: "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, outside." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are call for it in person on Monday morning.' adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no business came to an end." that I can to serve you." the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil the roots. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very have one." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far hopeless attempt at recovering them." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much careless servant girl?" in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save shall not find me ungrateful." tell me that you intended to go into harness." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "And how have you succeeded?" clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Ample." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I but preventing her from injuring another. "My opinion is in no way altered." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I frequently gained my first real insight into the character of LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a