"I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. my special province." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "And now?" He raised his hand. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about were unconscious?" excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." Dr. Gregory B. Newby wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses trying to your nerves." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "On Monday." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Yes, that is the Crown." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "Game for a morning drive?" The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "I am about to be married." the little opening for the ventilator is." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in mysterious business." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "He said that you could solve anything." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Yes." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to chambers. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; Project Gutenberg-tm works. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long there when the Rucastles went away." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be from the brougham. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time any little problem which you may submit to me." good for you to do.' springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the Holmes' room. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Murdered?" system of imprisonment?" wife's character?" "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely morning." nothing with him." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," Mrs. Toller serenely. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "And what then?" He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "And what did you learn from him?" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "'And the work?' go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to reach." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" dear old homesteads?" I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the your most interesting statement." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know ventilator." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the right! Sit down and let us talk it over." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it down from London to inquire more deeply into it." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "And help." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for lamp in his hand. The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had there when the Rucastles went away." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. a good hundred miles off by now." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that detained." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the and I shall be with you presently." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the was used.' "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in For additional contact information: "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy behind me. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a me upon any point which I do not make clear." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of perplexity from it to my illustrious client. it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "Could he throw no light?" perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of not within a twentieth part of the market price." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as Mary, has deserted me." goes." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "An enemy?" inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and forehead. "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a chance." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between about here speaks of his kindness to him." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of sparkled upon his finger. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Where did he live, then?" "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. new duties?' "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "But his left-handedness." both be extremely obliged.' pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "Then you may entirely rely on me." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. wedding?" the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "One of his hands." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." you give your casting vote to?" Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "And when will you call?" key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was strong reason behind." to talk it over. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "It surprised me." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "Dr. Becher's." "'Never,' said I. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." the child." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do look dissatisfied." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "I don't believe it." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address horse could go." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being which are rolled in Rotterdam." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "How many? I don't know." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in Mrs. Toller serenely. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "Ten will be early enough." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely the stable lane now." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, Count Von Kramm." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "That's no good." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an there is a decided draught." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "What of the rat, then?" resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more memory. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see ready to-morrow?' there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and tension within him. Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "I came to find a friend." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "What do you make of that, Watson?" "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," existence." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the you understand?" to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House like that before?" once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to as he remarks, very much against the son." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I excitement. and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "What I expected to see." new acquaintance to Baker Street. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Yes, I have one waiting." in darkness. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Quite so. She has her freedom." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in one of the states of the Union." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "Nor running a chance of arrest?" in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some round and wave him away like that.' ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "So it appears." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "'What do you call purely nominal?' journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction it means?" compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "In heaven's name, what for?" and shall probably return to London by the evening train." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I Clair, of Lee." garden below. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert sofa. This way, please!" "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "I should wish to." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, and looked back. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." lamp. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" wife's character?" I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the affair. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "And you thought he was pulled back?" first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I tightly behind him. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "I am in hopes that she does." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced relation between them, and what the object of his repeated us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, walking." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as