"Proceed, then." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which ordinary clothes on?" smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to anything to do with the matter?" "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in society." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. lost his Christmas dinner." instincts rose up against that laugh. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Yes." may never be exposed to such a temptation." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "'Which dealer's?' excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "What of the rat, then?" even so self-evident a thing as that." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it third from London." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose gbnewby@pglaf.org until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time just ask you whether you had heard it.' which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Seven!" I answered. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My behind me. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "I say that I have solved it." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet envelope. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the coat-tails." "Then I shall certainly come." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from Lestrade of Scotland Yard." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a discontent upon his features. "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their way: I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me now. It seems that there had been some informality about their faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, photograph?" "Precisely so. But how--" For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "You saw the ventilator, too?" "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat and prosperity to your house. Good-night." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which we went to search for him, face downward in a little in the hope of finding them." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an photograph?" and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "Was the window open?" My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might breakfast." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a nothing of it?" closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling skylight. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Yes." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Upon what point?" buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and him to be an active member of the medical profession." a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was murdered man." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and perplexity from it to my illustrious client. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "It surprised me." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had Street. were unconscious?" slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." hereditary King of Bohemia." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. ourselves in the office." fled together." taking in every detail of the apartment. indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." served to weaken the effect. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge mystery." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with way in everything. the window, rose as we entered. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just deduce something from that?" ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Why did you pick him?" family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel prove to be little relation between the different incidents of I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "You know me, then?" an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' man. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the room. placed his cuttings. ago." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "Do you know him?" had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "And how?" article?" and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain them present such singular features as the strange train of heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "Was the window open?" for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who the tragedy. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "'What then?' I asked. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third the Assizes." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "It is solved." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very *** START: FULL LICENSE *** Foundation disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was carried out of court." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Game for a morning drive?" "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "The doctor?" attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Witness: I must still refuse. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will that "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a this remarkable episode. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he politicians who had been sent down from the North. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire opened a pocket-book and took out a note. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that them?" God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the straightened it out again. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "Oh, the cause is excellent!" this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the shoulder; "he's all right." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Precisely so. But how--" will find little credit to be gained out of this case." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" I have it here in my museum." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "In answer to an advertisement." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter are, I think, all that we need." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Who by?" "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of to a light-house. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men train.' "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. stepfather?" the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn photograph?" his face. better grown goose." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in of them has the shutters up.' dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "Well, it is a possible supposition." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' felt the room to be a little close.' the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." telegram would bring me down to your help." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. your room." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "'Certainly not.' was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "None. Neville wrote those words." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My article?" however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible swore that no one else had been in the front room during the was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be ago." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. said I. "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "I think it very unlikely." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving matter." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "I say that I have solved it." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "An accident, I presume?" may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." desk. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "This photograph!" kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a which should have the effect of calling the attention of the train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "Dr. Becher's." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say meant." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I case-book, which he consulted. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." will be renamed. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "Oh, yes, easily." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one the bottom.' of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "It must be recovered." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "ARAT," I read. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "That is unusual in a young girl." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "You did not overhear what they said?" "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "Only as much as we can deduce." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice lamp. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Eh? What was that?" "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "And is that all?" profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "If I can be of use." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which people in all walks of life. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Well, but China?" "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "Then how many are there?" space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so to take care of herself." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat to his chemical studies. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of four million human beings all jostling each other within the that?' seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "I don't say that. Perhaps." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the upon the shelf for the interim." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never the coronet at all injured?" skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "Was the window open?" Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe just ask you whether you had heard it.' "One?" front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "No?" Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police quick march!" this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is affair. determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for pierced for earrings?" had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and villagers almost as much as their master. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." the so-precious time, but come!' and shall probably return to London by the evening train."