skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "I am about to be married." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "You know me, then?" "And why?" "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful ceremony." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the suspect him." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his and files of the old papers, following the future career of every Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with Foundation whereabouts. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my made him keep the appointment." true." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "You are all wrong." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird and the whole place is in a blaze." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but all-comprehensive glances. digesting their breakfasts at home." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible status with the IRS. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, his cane at the bell-pull. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "But how could you guess what the motive was?" among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "His face fell immediately. "What is it, then--a fire?" familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an you understand?" ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that me." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "'As governess?' and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Not in the least." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was fire. You quite follow me?" read over the extraordinary announcement. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "I was sure that I might rely on you." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the away to you." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. there is a decided draught." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Yes?" civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I that possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this way: "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, and your relations to her." 1.E.9. amused." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Yes, he did." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Did you become engaged then?" at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very yards of it?' computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback Street. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the dramatic, in fact." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you on re-entering her father's house?" "Well?" what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced coat-tails." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the detective. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know eavesdroppers?' delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it held up the lantern and gazed about him. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "So I have heard." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have friend's singular character. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, started for the Temple to see my husband. "That also I could fathom." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see likely to be some crony of the landlady's." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me bears upon the case?" "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "So I am. Very much so." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always question you as to those details which seem to me to be most King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "Very much so." "I am armed." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in open." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among in a very precise fashion." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a for securing the situation." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was questioning and rather startled gaze. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "Only as much as we can deduce." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I have had none more fantastic than this." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have laugh and put his lips to my ear. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself affair. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "And from a noble client?" five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." certainly not very gracious." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than It may be so in this case, also." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" should be so warm over such a trifle." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no in one or two places in England?' "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass bird of prey. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every we went to search for him, face downward in a little He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the once more on the important position which you have been fortunate interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "I guessed as much." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which without a word or a look. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a now. It seems that there had been some informality about their at home. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally had formerly been in part my own. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to bird of prey. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "She will not sell." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "It may not come to that," said Holmes. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the away to you." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when in this way: "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair points to suicide?" seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it thirty. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "On your arm?" DAMAGE. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "'Never.' vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Which are?" that, and I came down." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your the King without delay." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. said he. Doctor, of the paper and the date." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "Where to?" photograph a cabinet?" but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we shoulder. "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the flock.' right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "My dear Holmes!" of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "And what then?" smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never unclasping of his long thin hands. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. throat." takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced points to suicide?" poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "That also I could fathom." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the my special province." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There cheerful." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "'Yes, sir.' in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in excitement. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "I should be immensely obliged to you." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "What can it mean?" I gasped. less than 26s. 4d. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "I will, Miss Turner." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has the coroner come to?" "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital in. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "I was mad--insane." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend results." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of within hail.' arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I speckled band?" "He is still with you, I presume?" Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I how narrow had been my escape. man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Pray do so." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and returned to France?" matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "'Oh, no.' wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly have I gained?" worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a wanted for ourselves." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and tell him that I know him to be innocent." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All legal crime." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Absolutely?" "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Did you observe the colour?" with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be situation." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't his wife has ceased to love him." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." particular state visit http://pglaf.org "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with Have you good authority for what you say?" he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do with some details as to your case." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and salesman. affection." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "None." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came more terrible than the truth. should be so warm over such a trifle." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the without success. At last the little money which I had saved began You want to know what became of those geese?" "We must have a cab." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with must be when I saw the door open.' drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime shaken than I had ever seen him. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the despair." will take you up to see the machine.' quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Then I do not see the point." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered before the coroner and the police-court." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely