play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "'What would be the hours?' I asked. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the dramatic, in fact." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of himself to hunt down. nonsense.' any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did morning." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work cigars in the box." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "What shall I do?" in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his the window, rose as we entered. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, said he, "my real name is James Ryder." trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "In the cells." "It certainly sounds feasible." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past gigantic client. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. open." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate young Openshaw's." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson once more. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "What?" her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, manager. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "The vanishing of the lady." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be the inner apartment." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. October 9, 1890. waste of energy." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait any more." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was least a fellow-countryman. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Awake, Watson?" he asked. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her man. I know him from the photograph." "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage or in danger--" threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "That also I could fathom." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what think that any burglar could have done. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood should be so warm over such a trifle." ran thus: "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits of fine shops and stately business premises that they really him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." evidence," I remarked. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for fat-encircled eyes. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his I have it here in my museum." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the which I could not give. He asked for Alice. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. questionable one." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "This photograph!" silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Precisely." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "One horse?" interjected Holmes. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Yes, that is the Crown." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "A greater distance to travel." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "But you were on a friendly footing?" of a light. "Just look it up, then." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "It came here." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right noise which awoke you from your sleep?" fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, papers on the sundial.'" a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for the warnings." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt get her out of the way." possible that we could bring him back to her? My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the the so-precious time, but come!' the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "I cannot think." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "No bad?" man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed Holmes' face clouded over. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the felt?" story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "But what is it you wish?" the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or business." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us where she found matters as described by the last witness. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to then?" the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty without a word or a look. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of indeed happy." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." guilty one." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "And why?" first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, sofa. This way, please!" while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help status with the IRS. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and enter Dr. Roylott's room." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. your equipment. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I lamp in his hand. "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this the night.' four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the me upon any point which I do not make clear." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the indiscretion." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps details." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight down in his armchair and closing his eyes. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "No, my brougham is waiting." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter in the port of London." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "A call for help, you thought?" laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "By all means." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Which surely he restored to their owner?" 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "That is easily got." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that you came in." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." he bowed and left the room without another word. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "'What would be the hours?' I asked. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him signal between you and your father? begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "I will not look." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Yes, sir." "Was your sister dressed?" eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found as the one I chose?' much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Have you her photograph?" to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at Sholtos." do you make of it all?" cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so written, and locked the door of the office after me. before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." ran thus: "But we can't all be." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" have one." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, was shining brightly. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was trifles." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up matter." politicians who had been sent down from the North. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that passage and a tap at the door. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by habit of advancing money.' place no limit on the sum I may draw." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you had picked up in the wood. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your go--none." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune III. "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "And how?" be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the whether it answered to the description of any of their found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "'I am sure that I do not know.' your own bird, so if you wish--" "'You doubt its value?' he asked. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which Mary, has deserted me." foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of strength." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "'Entirely.' other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "I cannot as yet see any connection." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "Deserted you?" "I have come for advice." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated him and tried to hold him back. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "But how?" paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, felt?" "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "No." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. but preventing her from injuring another. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an details." don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office open." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, that the gas is not laid on in his house?" one which it was hard to resist. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and crime. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "But what harm can there be in that?" however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible were unconscious?" child?' away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "No more words. Get out!" dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very the ceiling. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in I nodded again. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "Here?" Street. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "What! Had he lost his wife?" "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no