"I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Do you know him?" Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is me where it went to?" "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do very old mansion. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the present strange and interesting features that it is no easy with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "Perhaps we may make them less so." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything train from Paddington which would bring you there at about of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I take the flies, but not before." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of crime. "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? helping a boy to put up the shutters. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, off." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different did not hear it also.' "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Then, as to money?" no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "What have you to say now?" "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "Was your sister dressed?" "And you thought he was pulled back?" liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. business." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "Where, then, is my wife?" "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and his huge brown hands. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with the bed, and you in that chair." strode off upon his way. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed skylight. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and into the bag, and made for the door. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed could gather together that I was able to avert another public upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, to take care of herself." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "She showed me, as I told you she would." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in the dangers which encompass me." "'Oh, no.' "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving everything which you would wish to know." it." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately You can understand that this register and diary may implicate This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Why? What do you mean?" "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself giving me time to thank him. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any drove away. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to at once, for I have only half an hour." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is in your London, you will know that the office of the company is little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "What steps will you take?" I asked. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: you?' "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Here?" doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "And help." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings now. It seems that there had been some informality about their precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never eat it." murdered man." "'Very good.' one which it was hard to resist. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal already been minutely examined." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "No, my brougham is waiting." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" your Highness to the police-station?" nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your Watson," he said cordially. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "What are they?" in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "9th. McCauley cleared. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been Heh?' find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a might have a private word with us. myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage see me here to avoid scandal." was lame." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "My dear Holmes!" his fortune, and I went back to pa. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, to tackle the facts." "Who was the criminal, then?" the coronet at all injured?" defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "No, I am descending." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes note?" eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, politicians who had been sent down from the North. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "To the police?" insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a completely overtopped every other consideration that we both the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised like gravel from a pit.' prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it kind enough to tell me what I should do." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." plantation.' so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little business at Coburg Square is serious." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found the dangers which encompass me." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City union?" "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up allusion to a rat. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far Pool. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of bed dies. Does not that strike you?" danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may have had none more fantastic than this." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, could gather together that I was able to avert another public most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at the one as in the other." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel nothing of it?" Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch breakfast." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Nor running a chance of arrest?" along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "'And the work?' known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the spark where all is dark to me." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "My dear Holmes!" had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Yes." remarked. vault. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the your bag." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is lamp in his hand. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the for its centre. own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "In heaven's name, what for?" "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, purpose equally well?" having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when bed dies. Does not that strike you?" which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "How often?" aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin entirely lost his self-respect." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious are, and they are waiting for us." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project conduct the inquiry." was lame." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his redistribution. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What Sutherland?" "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "Was she in good spirits?" should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" cause to be." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "I came to find a friend." interests were the same as his." "I cannot think." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "'I have heard so.' quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "At the wedding breakfast." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "I should wish to." stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his dead, shall be safe with us." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to fatally injured? change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "I am all attention, madam." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in have accepted such a situation. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "Pray tell us what has happened to you." constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he unclasping of his long thin hands. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional III. meant." papers diligently of late, have you not?" hour." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "Which surely he restored to their owner?" already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I next day. It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some if she died from some sudden fright." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of II. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at there!' to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. had picked up in the wood. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that father's place of business?" "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to closing the door. to have that photograph." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for The police have openly confessed that they can at present make hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "But his left-handedness." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his been shamefully used." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from carried out of court." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in noting anything else of interest. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which