"They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a deduce something from that?" you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for been anything against him. He had for years been known as a which was all perfectly true. should be so warm over such a trifle." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and likely to be some crony of the landlady's." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try Mrs. Toller serenely. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa your bag." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his crackling voice. shall use the carriage to-night." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "'How far from the body?' was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." the stones. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" to that open window." him, that man would not have given me such complete information name is different." breakfast." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "'What then?' I asked. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on hereditary King of Bohemia." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and of a light. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than gives a meaning to it." papers must be those that are destroyed.' however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood point in the dark hollow of his hand. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and bird of prey. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "It is possible." "So I am. Very much so." "They are typewritten," I remarked. way in." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw excitement. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "You are certainly joking, Holmes." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed was feeling which was the fattest.' that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke writing, and yet I know it well." I approached. "My dear Holmes!" hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it have got?" "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "It is possible." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "'About the same.' "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten way in everything. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "I think that I had better go, Holmes." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw standing smiling on the door-step. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "But we can't all be." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is writing, and yet I know it well." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I what do you think they found in the pockets?" any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the the coronet in his hand?" and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may best detective that ever lived. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the up this clue while it is still hot." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Did you become engaged then?" habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "But the mystery?" caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country despair." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his fatally injured? attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, of his shoulders. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the leaning back in his chair. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned showing my impatience. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Precisely so. But how--" that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "So it appears." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Well, some hundreds of times." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. new acquaintance to Baker Street. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "What! a murderous attack?" interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: it." "And I say east," said my patient. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. Countess of Morcar's?" that I am arrested." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both to-night." "'I am sure that I do not know.' as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "What will you say?" banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is answer." keep the flames under. "'Yes, sir.' creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "And what then?" my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in me where it went to?" "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "No good news?" useful material for showing traces. The double line a little see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a cigars in their mouths. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "On your arm?" his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel American. Then who could this American be, and why should he heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "I do." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of in him." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "What are they?" "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. until night should bring an explanation. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "Not him." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." an introduction to him?" "She showed me, as I told you she would." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "Do you know him?" within hail.' "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to the loss of it. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "'I am sure if I had known--' could gather together that I was able to avert another public to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. the loss of it. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "You forget that I know nothing about it." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my once more. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing so far?" the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the begun to whiten, even as mine has." what I may call a really hard day's work." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be few hundred pounds.' perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point Leadenhall Street--and--" present." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "I promise," said Holmes. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the asked. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to had a long day." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "'Where could I find him?' bonnet, and went out." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I him nearly every evening." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to that snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked shoulder; "he's all right." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a off." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you observed. "I warn you that they are very incomplete." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a Pope's Court, Fleet Street." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I girl said." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name investigation." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds remarked. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "Not yet." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "How on earth--" very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, upon an income of about 60 pounds." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting chance." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they ways including including checks, online payments and credit card the inquest, and which are worth considering." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn main points of my analysis." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "But we can't all be." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the have got?" sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think dead, shall be safe with us." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some me, and I could not think that his explanation of the listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his tassel actually lying upon the pillow. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler tear off another piece?' quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel disappearance of these gems?" "She showed me, as I told you she would." reach." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness events, Mr. Windibank!" from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed Dr. Gregory B. Newby passage and a tap at the door. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "A thing like a cleaver," said he. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The the side-table." was shining brightly. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Well, some hundreds of times." made him keep the appointment." "What then?" chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?"