steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "By no means." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "Then you may be so with me." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "It is possible." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "I am about to be married." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no during which he might have communicated with his friend the "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the excitement. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my village inn over there?" that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is was a perfect sample of the class. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had in his power. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, will he say when he returns?" connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they in my life." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so unprecedented a position." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." power." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Pray let us have it, for all that." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling questioning and rather startled gaze. breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Which are?" least a most suspicious remark." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be to-night." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect villagers almost as much as their master. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in where she found matters as described by the last witness. business matters.' there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can business." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the Countess of Morcar's?" "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news from you?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I is so. I know all about McCarthy." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "What are they?" enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be manager. "On Monday." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. bachelor.' right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall to a more successful conclusion." drove away. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and better in every way that they should make their position a little of it with the greatest attention. from the brougham. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "That is it on the dressing-table." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "I cannot think." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have infinite languor in his face. to a light-house. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Yes." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "That is it on the dressing-table." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend weary and pale-looking. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a of his shoulders. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Well?" returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is fish-monger and a tide-waiter." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on already referred to. think that he is innocent?" and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his the iron safe, which he closed upon it. gbnewby@pglaf.org corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "And now?" I asked. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Yes, that is the Crown." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Very truly yours, "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Dark enough and sinister enough." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say was a lad." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, room had already been engaged for us. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "Seven!" I answered. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "But you can know nothing of this?" the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be derbies." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, vanished into the darkness. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more helping a boy to put up the shutters. and your relations to her." "By no means." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think fear." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that cup of tea. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was maiden herself was most instructive." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in visitors." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony gone. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security careless servant girl?" present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "Nothing." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "You don't mind breaking the law?" so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: are, I think, all that we need." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his side. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the who was a member of your goose club." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow shag which I had seen upon the previous night. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, to his chemical studies. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "I cannot tell." "Then what has happened to him?" I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was are, I think, all that we need." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem strong and stiff." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we know all about it," he snarled. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut matter." "That is unusual in a young girl." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed was it brought him the coronet? "Her father is very rich?" that I may have something better before very many minutes are settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, 'please.'" said he. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found hopeless attempt at recovering them." "An enemy?" "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "Yes." redistribution. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe away in different directions, and I went off to make my own completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled hereditary King of Bohemia." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, writing, and yet I know it well." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "Then the page we have seen--" at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I followed. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "Where, then, is my wife?" the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of vanished into the darkness. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she comes from the middle window." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the fled together." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk prepare for the new role I have to play." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Where, indeed?" were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "Yes, sir." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' pity, because in other respects you would really have done very misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. I am not easy in my mind about them." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I and glanced through. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "This concluded the examination of the witness." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a recall any case within my experience which looked at the first they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' DISSOLVED. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "I am to be neutral?" They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on neither fascinating nor artistic." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There prepare for the new role I have to play." ourselves in the office." walking." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, you, my dear young lady?' withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want