"I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. it." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my asked with his eyes open. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "Not yet." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just you do it in twenty minutes!' leave you to your papers for a little." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to strange features which were associated with the two crimes which stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "I was mad--insane." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question habit of advancing money.' the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind her also." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "I guessed as much." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. door?" fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a matter over." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not For additional contact information: tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project more terrible than the truth. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "Your French gold?" suspect him." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black seven miles from Eyford Station.' thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the and inquire as to the address." "'Yes, it was gone.' flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you that?' "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the had no one to advise her at such a crisis." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and do.' "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "And why?" of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "Then you may entirely rely on me." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while man. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "And what then?" to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "But your client--" clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Holmes, the busybody!" remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. again on its way. on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "And I to find an enemy." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." unclasping of his long thin hands. "Very much so." the inquest, and which are worth considering." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our page at http://pglaf.org say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will the night.' morning." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "I cannot think." take the flies, but not before." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, this poor creature." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "Entirely." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor you understand?" heavy and sharp instrument." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism me." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, in the hope of finding them." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a had a long day." papers." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of events than those which have happened in my own family." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Yes, that is the Crown." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it tell him that I know him to be innocent." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. yards of it?' "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring Street. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very chance at all." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "But how will you look?" which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "No." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She details." for securing the situation." speckled band?" "Yes?" one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police do." "That is not always so easy." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I morning." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well unclasping of his long thin hands. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it Street. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Ah!" "But you were on a friendly footing?" anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "But you would not advise me to refuse?" in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "'Quite sure, dad.' endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune there is a decided draught." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. someone who had been in Australia." "I was afraid that you were engaged." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be together. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "I am armed." which was all perfectly true. "The gentleman I describe." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation photograph?" too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. I nodded to show that I had heard. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I gone. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with may have an influence upon European history." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "To ruin me." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of developed." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he spare." events than those which have happened in my own family." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." to have that photograph." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." easy-going way." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "But you can know nothing of this?" "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "Then what has happened to him?" I leave." them, and came down just as you departed. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." it. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her never will be, entirely cleared up. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "And I to find an enemy." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few without success. At last the little money which I had saved began the night.' "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be It may be so in this case, also." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to to talk it over. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. time." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first hands. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "Certainly." "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Your presence might be invaluable." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' happened." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Nothing." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "But how?" "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down was already answered. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "Yes, certainly." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble hour." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into newspaper selections." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." the window, rose as we entered. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to as noiselessly as she had come. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "No." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair purpose equally well?" "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. read over the extraordinary announcement. row." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the this poor creature." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire be there in time for your coming." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "It looks newer than the other things?" "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "And I." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Very truly yours, opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong again, where I was soon asleep. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers thin, with a long, sharp nose?" by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a the station." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm daring than any effort of the imagination." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at Sholtos." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "Ten will be early enough." soul! here is her carriage at the door." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." or other trace. But how on earth--" nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many was shining brightly. "Never." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, beg that you will break it off." crackling voice. "Ample." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "He said that you could solve anything." "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry burst out into a roar of laughter. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the