a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." will take you up to see the machine.' suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of floor. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "And Irene Adler?" constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Did your wife hear all this?" My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "Absolutely none." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of once more for Briony Lodge. possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Did your wife hear all this?" observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "'Where could I find him?' and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of possible that we could bring him back to her? traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an a good hundred miles off by now." "'Entirely.' note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "You did not overhear what they said?" "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "'Where to?' feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to stammered. "When did it break out?" wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a been shamefully used." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that joking. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for his fortune, and I went back to pa. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking people don't know." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I them?" ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my down in his armchair and closing his eyes. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Yes." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where in his hands." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous down from London to inquire more deeply into it." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity to go into your room and bar your shutters?" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed with the outside air!" best detective that ever lived. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "Who was the criminal, then?" My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, ready to-morrow?' father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly weary and pale-looking. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part such person." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed introspective fashion. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "And leave your case unfinished?" "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to leave you to your papers for a little." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his and I shall be with you presently." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless galvanised. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." me. You must get home instantly and act." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A sparkled upon his finger. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a what these perils are?" from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the extraordinary contortions. "And leave your case unfinished?" "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in time." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "Yes, at the mines." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the telegram would bring me down to your help." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the think that he is innocent?" showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. Holmes." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "I have hopes." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon present." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin was a lad." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, read over the extraordinary announcement. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he other, as fresh and trim as possible. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my vague figure huddled up in the darkness. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "You horrify me." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "Holmes, the busybody!" rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. of the way of danger. in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. lamp. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible was feeling which was the fattest.' are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather you, my dear young lady?' authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face corner of the building. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of remarked. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. you?" "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post eavesdroppers?' the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is washing it down with a long draught of water. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never chambers. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at October 9, 1890. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "It certainly sounds feasible." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "What do you mean?" "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" 11:15.' the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "I promise," said Holmes. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Never." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much charged with?" appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned said I. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to Count Von Kramm." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "You horrify me!" feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made was not a bird to be seen there. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the me. You must get home instantly and act." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "No good news?" gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Yes, sir." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had ready to-morrow?' He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "Very. But will he see it?" I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which away in different directions, and I went off to make my own quickly through a disagreeable task. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the had died away into the silence from which it rose. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss figure." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to Eyford." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured himself to hunt down. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "One?" master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot your sleep?' locked. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "Well, but China?" the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet in this way: fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. of receipt of the work. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me copied or distributed: purpose of examination. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the congenial hunt. inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "BALLARAT." she might be summoned. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what the salesman. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the I held the little printed slip to the light. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "'I shall certainly be there.' "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his new duties?' this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' memory. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which he died? "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" about. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "The knees of his trousers." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "No." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "Come in!" said Holmes. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "Ah, but I was recommended to you." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has the side-table." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." introspective fashion. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it several quiet little villages up there." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here approach us with offers to donate. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms lips." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. shall not find me ungrateful." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "He said too much." certainly do as you advise." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little conclusions. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "Yes." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who during which he might have communicated with his friend the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "I am about to be married." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "Yes." "You don't mind breaking the law?" sound at heart." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." his forehead." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of maid will bring up your coffee." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "I beg pardon." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "And who is her maid?" back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit about here speaks of his kindness to him." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "'There is a drive, then?' moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by speckled band?" former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making