some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. green of the new foliage. "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view of Mr. Rucastle's." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. there!' position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "It is his hat." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The visitors." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, chambers. offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of most interesting one." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "No more words. Get out!" "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be bed dies. Does not that strike you?" us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is asked. colour had been driven from his face. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "I am armed." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre side. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught drawing your inferences." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" lamp. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" him and tried to hold him back. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and Mrs. Toller serenely. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "What shall I do?" "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "But the mystery?" 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and made his money." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met woven round him. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an it with his own hands." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "What steps will you take?" I asked. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, cause to be." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "I do." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and it." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three mysterious end." his knees, staring into the fire. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "I promise," said Holmes. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "I think that it is very probable." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "'Certainly not. But why?' to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this been lifted and conveyed somewhere." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence intimate personal affairs in this public manner." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler and that he would see to anything that turned up. "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, most important business. It is probable that he will be away all the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The hands. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the death." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "I am still in the dark." stepfather?" about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Look there!" said he. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Precisely." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given your billet.' Stoke Moran." "No, my brougham is waiting." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I woman." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would chemical work which was so dear to him. guilty parties." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Were they all fastened this morning?" writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he that you can jump it.' imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "I would pay ten." "What! Had he lost his wife?" some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and of campaign. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in spark where all is dark to me." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin forebodings. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "'Not at all. I only doubt--' fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant several quiet little villages up there." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "Did you observe the colour?" abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his ready to-morrow?' of the efforts of the United States government and of the better stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "You know me, then?" should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny union?" wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." outside." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general the best of training." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under best detective that ever lived. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and light and attacked it." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of affair. John Swain, of St. Augustine. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "'Why that?' I asks. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a him to be an active member of the medical profession." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the advice." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the then?" hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one prisoner's face. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and train.' the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "Bought." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "What! Had he lost his wife?" relief. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what ventilator." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "Not I." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as be best to do. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Yes." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the deduce something from that?" convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I outside." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the I took the paper from him and read as follows: hereditary King of Bohemia." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "No legal papers or certificates?" was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us was feeling which was the fattest.' entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "Was he the only applicant?" did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a Literary Archive Foundation for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a the Red-headed League." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which to surprise her." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An weigh very heavily upon my conscience." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "That was it, sir." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our astonishment. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away asked with his eyes open. you understand?" opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. Arthur Conan Doyle Foundation had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with business matters.' offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that undoubtedly my uncle's." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice of." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you whole matter to your consideration." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a and the whole place is in a blaze." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than into her hand at the door and which lured her within their already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a knowledge of the world." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been copied or distributed: "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "Yes, sir." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "How did he come?" is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came ready to-morrow?' was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was hereditary King of Bohemia." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a something of him before." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Which surely he restored to their owner?" watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their his cane at the bell-pull. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His made him keep the appointment." contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was of campaign. Edgeware Road. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "When did it break out?" out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and Heh?' whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her is worth.' "None. Neville wrote those words." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, relief. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, direction." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a have I gained?" machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "The best possible." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, most interesting one." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the have one." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "You are all wrong." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his God! What an exposure! What can I do?" your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event of this gang." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "His face fell immediately. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "No, but the enclosure is." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had soul! here is her carriage at the door." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "Then I shall certainly come." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "Yes." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to