completely overtopped every other consideration that we both in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "'Is purely nominal.' showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise the iron safe, which he closed upon it. the matter." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught Lee, in the county of Kent." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's this truth that in these little records of our cases which you your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not tell him that I know him to be innocent." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room room had already been engaged for us. easy-going way." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements that I am arrested." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock speckled band?" some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "To the police?" "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "Won't it ring?" glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "Witness: Nothing definite. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his there." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his in his power. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you answer." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her second window is the one that I jumped from." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in problems help me to do so." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case me." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "Yes." "What then?" husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "That sounds a little paradoxical." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," where she found matters as described by the last witness. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his purpose equally well?" think, you have already met." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety amused." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are the salesman. of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" see a sister of mine apply for." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' I nodded to show that I had heard. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had read over the extraordinary announcement. pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "No, my brougham is waiting." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of one of them." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "The Cedars?" astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction you want, then?' corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "You don't mind breaking the law?" sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk rat could hardly pass through." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "From his hat?" on re-entering her father's house?" "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just congratulate you again." "I beg pardon." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord envelope. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter answer." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with and I shall be with you presently." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as back into the street. very old mansion. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name to his chemical studies. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss joking. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the wedding?" grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Yes, but only for you and me." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "'Yes.' Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was his eyes and forehead. the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which morning." "Why did you beat the pavement?" "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one may never be exposed to such a temptation." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He and prosperity to your house. Good-night." Leadenhall Street--and--" certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Bought." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet crowd. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings up this clue while it is still hot." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the room had already been engaged for us. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the this remarkable episode. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as to that open window." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning the ceiling. directly by questioning you." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is down from London to inquire more deeply into it." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Well, it is a possible supposition." "You have the photograph?" eat it." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "Do you go out much in society?" settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "Did you observe the colour?" Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might useful material for showing traces. The double line a little was shining brightly. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to there." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key was a perfect sample of the class. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "No." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with past. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Yes, I have one waiting." "And how did you verify them?" in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. the window, rose as we entered. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "Did you observe the colour?" rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "At the wedding breakfast." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, ceremony." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune felt?" had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked ran thus: works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain footfalls from the street. which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "By no means." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son I was concerned in it." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by From what you have told me I think that it is possible that straighten it?" License. You must require such a user to return or see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "You horrify me." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in train.' signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster have accepted such a situation. you." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to something of him before." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I 'please.'" furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a what do you think they found in the pockets?" IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Yes." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with affection." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which me have 200 pounds?' object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "And help." threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "And what did you learn from him?" was a perfect sample of the class. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official morning." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up yet." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, do." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. posted to-day." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property again on its way. would then never go into court at all." "It is very kind of you." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a visitors." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "He is still with you, I presume?" Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather his cane at the bell-pull. "That sounds a little paradoxical." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is the running down." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, him nearly every evening." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. and put his glass in his pocket. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "Were they all fastened this morning?" from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do did not hear it also.' son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter least a most suspicious remark." "In heaven's name, what for?" tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting could gather together that I was able to avert another public "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. few hundred pounds.' Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg have got?" snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "His face fell immediately. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Will you go?" myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we washing it down with a long draught of water. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "One of the highest in England." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was asked with his eyes open. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "No." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have my special province." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down papers on the sundial.'" fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "The Cedars?" "And you thought he was pulled back?" the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about about. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the country, and eventually married, without anyone having a to that open window." brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their indeed which he could not unravel. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, the stones. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the lumber-room." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in brandy and water within his reach. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. them, and came down just as you departed. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Nothing?" prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager