very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches were unconscious?" hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do bare slabs of marble. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Where, then?" easy-going way." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates main points of my analysis." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." did not hear it also.' so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as once more to my work. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "Oh, fresh and glossy." all?" really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "No, finished." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If shoulder; "he's all right." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Then I shall certainly come." brandy and water within his reach. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass corner of the building. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "'Ample.' but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing relief. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant I have it here in my museum." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank here." the loss of it. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and and shall probably return to London by the evening train." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora should be taken.' "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. never to learn it at all." "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them our word." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "But what is it you wish?" ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, seen the man in the road." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "By train from Waterloo." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Will you bet, then?" "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, in his power. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which this unhappy family?" coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He ready to-morrow?' wedding?" about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that has little to do with my story." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in an introduction to him?" "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his derbies." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. forehead. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered only touch the interest." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or have got?" their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign gbnewby@pglaf.org reach." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to other lovers by making love himself." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now a room. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but opportunities to fix the problem. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country closing the door. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "One horse?" interjected Holmes. laugh and put his lips to my ear. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "You are hungry," I remarked. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Because he was handy and would come cheap." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "What can you not understand?" days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. should be so warm over such a trifle." certainly not very gracious." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I papers." "What shall I do?" client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner Street. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "That is also quite modern," said the lady. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between I leave." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is interested in these little problems, and since you are good and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." behind me. awaited us upon the table. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "Certainly." "Upon what point?" he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in despaired of." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle done what I asked you, Jones?" But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of thin legs towards the fire. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your drawing your inferences." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the the running down." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be returning from some small jollification and was making his way in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "If I can be of use." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian wedding?" surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at few hundred pounds.' To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, to that open window." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a attention." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off your billet.' "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had villagers almost as much as their master. Holmes rather sternly. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "How did you deduce the select?" the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather frequently gained my first real insight into the character of the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "Will you go?" than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular own family. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that Holmes." so.' arms and began to sob in a high treble key. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the his face which made him a very different person to the round, previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you face and glided from the room. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It charge against him will break down." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "My private note-paper." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all weigh very heavily upon my conscience." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was Sutherland?" death." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months despaired of." "What! Had he lost his wife?" roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the woman who has had her own way to make in the world. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." McCarthy's innocence. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but at a side door. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was second window is the one that I jumped from." congratulate you again." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm Surrey." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "I cannot tell." On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "What have you to say now?" "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I been deceived." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "So I heard. You have him here?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found too. Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My to take care of herself." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have call you and give you the chance." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is upon an income of about 60 pounds." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been with some details as to your case." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to the matter." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, The events in question occurred in the early days of my still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon of Mr. Rucastle's." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had wanted for ourselves." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "I am following you closely," I answered. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, Have you good authority for what you say?" laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, key of the affair now." other lovers by making love himself." "Perfectly so." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "It is true that I have been generally successful." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody Leave Paddington by the 11:15." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "Did you observe the colour?" Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been and it need not interfere very much with one's other "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk confronted him. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "Nothing?" "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the to some other building. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "It is true that I have been generally successful." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect directors, with the result that you have seen." I shall continue with my miserable story. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of 11:15.' fait accompli?" reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "I should be immensely obliged to you." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "And from a noble client?" redistribution. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, Countess of Morcar's?" "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "You forget that I know nothing about it." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "I have seen the police." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "It is possible." "Nothing." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice drawing your inferences." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my lost his Christmas dinner." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has in the hope of finding them." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that throat." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "My private note-paper." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he