"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you wedding?" have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in better in every way that they should make their position a little it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "I have a cab outside." "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He presented which may be striking and bizarre without being noble correspondent could be. with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, intrusion of other matters." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of wedding?" Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one matter." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." only touch the interest." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his bedroom door." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "No." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said unkempt, staring out at me. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous guilty one." "Absolutely none." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "Look there!" said he. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, Again Holmes raved in the air. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face really the only notable feature about the thing." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of or other trace. But how on earth--" "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the never to learn it at all." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began observed. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban congratulate you again." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was a suggestive one." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in said he. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the Countess of Morcar's?" however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "'I shall certainly be there.' allusion to a rat. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this and a shock of very red hair. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT ago." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Yes, but only for you and me." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "But your client--" hard-headed British jury." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "Which surely he restored to their owner?" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' to-night." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Your sister is dead, then?" beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "Yes." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "Indeed! Whose, then?" public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a exactly what you advise." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." I have it here in my museum." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a of the vacancies.' circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared hopeless attempt at recovering them." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault miles off. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I fuss that is made over them." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have lumber-room." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a ill-usage at the hands of fortune. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "No, my brougham is waiting." "And you can do nothing until then?" During two years I have had three consultations and one small "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "ARAT," I read. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones mysterious end." just called myself is not exactly my own." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland http://gutenberg.net/license). country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that I nodded again. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the interested in these little problems, and since you are good chance." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "We must have a cab." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were room?" away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the client, rising. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated through." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him helping a boy to put up the shutters. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." with you?" learned something! Where are the gems?" is so. I know all about McCarthy." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There again on its way. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover one's self under obligations.' place of silver." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." late!' "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of from the brougham. round with crates and massive boxes. "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "That's no good." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I there has been an enclosure here!" found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and Arthur Conan Doyle "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "I warn you that they are very incomplete." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "No, distinctly professional." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" train.' "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. plantation.' the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as pressing in one house as in another. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "It certainly sounds feasible." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. some water from a caraffe. "Only as much as we can deduce." "How many? I don't know." "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking could gather together that I was able to avert another public before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your is so. I know all about McCarthy." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked This is what he says: will he say when he returns?" if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "I think that it is very probable." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the within hail.' "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that foresight and the moral retrogression?" "Her father is very rich?" "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "He disappeared so suddenly." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some not within a twentieth part of the market price." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same maid will bring up your coffee." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are was used.' "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; occurred." open." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest Arthur Conan Doyle slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason American. Then who could this American be, and why should he reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in could gather together that I was able to avert another public slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to *** START: FULL LICENSE *** lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at tell him that I know him to be innocent." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his said I. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of front of the hall door has given its name to the place. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, absorbing." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. with the outside air!" Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford upon the sideboard." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "Yes." derbies." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she have had none more fantastic than this." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was this man was intellectual?" are, I think, all that we need." second window is the one that I jumped from." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "It was a confession," I ejaculated. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind knowledge of the world." make me his representative both with the servants and with the possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "'Yes, I promise.' will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "I would pay ten." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be her also." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "I am following you closely," I answered. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "A confidential servant?" "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" along the entire front of the house, with three long windows immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "Yes." felt the room to be a little close.' Young McCarthy must be got off, however." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." room had already been engaged for us. the Assizes." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it You can understand that this register and diary may implicate her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "'Is purely nominal.' down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, good-night and bustled off upon her way. the inquest, and which are worth considering." charged with?" at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "You think that he is dead?" to-night?' "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether his cane at the bell-pull. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "I see many objections to any such theory." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as to a more successful conclusion." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "It is his hat." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back she slowly sank and died without having recovered her made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can had died away into the silence from which it rose. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed suggested at once that there must be a communication between the