contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the children over to America with him, so that I found myself without 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade room had already been engaged for us. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white very old mansion. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "What can it mean?" I gasped. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are disappearance of the bride.'" from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has examine." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few these bleak autumnal evenings." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other way in everything. that you wished to speak to me?' "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "And what then?" villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your them present such singular features as the strange train of "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to flock.' "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when think that any burglar could have done. read it out to me." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "'In my own bureau.' They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. until night should bring an explanation. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "You have a clue?" VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "He is dead," cried several voices. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and gentleman's clothes. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "You don't mind breaking the law?" agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then father's young wife. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "I was mad--insane." fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the beg that you will break it off." to-night's adventure." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "'I shall certainly be there.' incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be success. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is been shamefully used." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an only touch the interest." "Certainly." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no sound at heart." "'What do you call purely nominal?' would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at should be so warm over such a trifle." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary where Mr. Fordham shows you.' and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "It was a confession," I ejaculated. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "I will, Miss Turner." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "And help." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "Just look it up, then." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was said he. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "If so, much may have happened between." the general public were present, then?" question," said Holmes, smiling. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade forehead. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "I am sure." better in every way that they should make their position a little fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then morning." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy congenial hunt. to change my dress. other, as fresh and trim as possible. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was acquaintance?" the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "How did that help you?" swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to papers." "Upon what point?" I. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. other means.' rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "'You cannot say what it was?' "You have compromised yourself seriously." he bowed and left the room without another word. "'I have already given you my word.' public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good writing, and yet I know it well." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want face and glided from the room. Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge morning." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four photograph a cabinet?" very morning of my second wedding." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." leaning back in his chair. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both then?" "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here I nodded again. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "Two days later this same performance was gone through under was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave is now desirous of getting those letters back." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was speckled band?" TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I purpose of examination. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and politicians who had been sent down from the North. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a do.' The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Not in the least." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "Here?" "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. that I am arrested." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, unkempt, staring out at me. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "I say that I have solved it." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness back alive. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be Have you good authority for what you say?" reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "Very truly yours, this man was intellectual?" "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you writer." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." the driver. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "Of Friday, June 19th." Count Von Kramm." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what foresight and the moral retrogression?" we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to miles off. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Here?" I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "I have seen the police." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." carried out of court." memory. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the address. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes bell. Holmes whistled. said he at last. jewels which you have stolen?' quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son Holmes." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to note?" such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly there!' 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "Breckinridge is his name." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. with some details as to your case." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "Will you bet, then?" interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you neither fascinating nor artistic." is now desirous of getting those letters back." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "Did you become engaged then?" reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the all-comprehensive glances. confronted him. Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp one of the states of the Union." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the companion. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." to me. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the that I may have something better before very many minutes are for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "And how in the world did you find them?" "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' served to weaken the effect. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you other lovers by making love himself." and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William such attractions and accomplishments?' disappearance of the bride.'" come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a ill-usage at the hands of fortune. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "It is very kind of you." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "Ah!" This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "'Yes, sir.' professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs back to my heart. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be over here." "Oh, fresh and glossy." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as notes," he said. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated wedding?" "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "Did he not advertise?" all?" Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Seven!" I answered. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come into the bag, and made for the door. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took States. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were appointment with me for six o'clock?" difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were better grown goose." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly sparkled upon his finger. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Why, it's a dummy," said he. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who so far?" they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "That is unusual in a young girl." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one said Mr. Holder. particular state visit http://pglaf.org furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "I cannot imagine." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "Here?" Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New to miss it." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "So I have heard." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a horse could go." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who figure." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking mystery." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and disappearance of the bride.'" "Quite so. She has her freedom." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I the driver. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the the bed, and you in that chair." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge,