was already answered. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he it were putty." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "And on what day did he meet his death?" cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his comes from the middle window." me what he had done with the three missing stones. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "I will do it." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very frequently gained my first real insight into the character of when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. all?" Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "Yes, all." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen business came to an end." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "What steps will you take?" I asked. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very them present such singular features as the strange train of I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not developed." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close the inquest, and which are worth considering." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned child?' he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his use an arc-and-compass breastpin." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. Henry Baker is a member." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. cost them two and thirty pounds." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. residence of the great financier. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this vague figure huddled up in the darkness. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "What, then?" man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as the night.' sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." touch that coronet?' been anything against him. He had for years been known as a was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "Then he might have called to you?" nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that said I. eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "I came to find a friend." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted would apply.' may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses and all of them with the keenest interest. it were putty." in this way: "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "But she could not love him." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future daring than any effort of the imagination." go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "Seven!" I answered. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "It must be recovered." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "And is that all?" certainly do as you advise." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold of the vacancies.' learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an Pope's Court. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that do." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "'And the work?' straighten it?" Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in sparkled upon his finger. keep the flames under. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a letters?" smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I me where it went to?" it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "No more words. Get out!" "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "Never." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "Who by?" this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. pressing in one house as in another. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "'Yes, it was gone.' done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "'What, the red-headed man?' slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her thin legs towards the fire. bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" Sutherland. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her fattened it expressly for you.' "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "No, I had a dozen." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? been with you?" "But I am all in the dark." "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I have an American origin." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler affection." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into like that before?" "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been do.' considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a page at http://pglaf.org the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "Did you observe the colour?" strode off upon his way. is now desirous of getting those letters back." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." this unhappy family?" anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "'Yes, it was gone.' he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "You'll never persuade me to believe that." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "I cannot say that I have." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "To an end?" "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do do you make of it all?" really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "How did he come?" has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense means taking possession of that which another person has a prior British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he may never be exposed to such a temptation." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe certainly not very gracious." "Game for a morning drive?" at my own good fortune. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "No, distinctly professional." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you village inn over there?" hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that one of the states of the Union." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at enough to aid us in our search." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving conduct the inquiry." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. started for the Temple to see my husband. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the himself to hunt down. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to better in every way that they should make their position a little see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "To an English lawyer named Norton." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very of note-paper. It read in this fashion: fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Where did he live, then?" "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "VIOLET HUNTER." "Certainly, madam." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more Serpentine Avenue. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note British peeress.'" "Well?" be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were chill to my heart. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, it." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the unkempt, staring out at me. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "So it appears." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for straighten it?" was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled and all of them with the keenest interest. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "How often?" the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "It surprised me." "Yes." dear old homesteads?" extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my at my own good fortune. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Yes, sir." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the cup of tea. strength of mind to control. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his 1.F. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the For additional contact information: "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "No?" would apply.' see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "It is possible." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her question," said Holmes, smiling. pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all hardly wander." "Seven!" I answered. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the it right.' methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other fasten all the windows?" should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The fat-encircled eyes. his face which made him a very different person to the round, myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less and a shock of very red hair. tied." the coroner come to?" doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and laugh and put his lips to my ear. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. and looked back. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "You have but to name it." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. him. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "Was there a secret marriage?" ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before hands. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly chair. "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg voice, changing her seat as requested. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his round with crates and massive boxes. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is