interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "What! You do not mean bodies?" main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the very old mansion. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began disturbance in my wife." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing nights." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be their singular warning or token before them when starting upon was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no over part of the map. "What do you read?" in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "What of the rat, then?" used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one shag which I had seen upon the previous night. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "It's nothing of the kind." appeal." results." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "And now?" I asked. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "What then?" in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs there were one or two details which were new to me. But the Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an morning." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "Do you know him?" "None." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either one's self under obligations.' "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that promised to bring home. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." so.' notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I License. You must require such a user to return or come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "None." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the weary and pale-looking. people in all walks of life. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my least a fellow-countryman. "None." Watson," he said cordially. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to when you have done it." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "At half-wages, in fact." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Do you know him?" "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I take the flies, but not before." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the peculiar to him. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my eavesdroppers?' not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for outsides of the windows. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the bears upon the case?" stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "You horrify me!" "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my test if we have an answer to our advertisement." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out man. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which since then to throw any light upon what became of him." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had furiously. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of about here speaks of his kindness to him." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "And sit in the dark?" from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "I don't believe it." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the father's place of business?" "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "He said that you could solve anything." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of writers could invent nothing more crude." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Really! You surprise me." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "She showed me, as I told you she would." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, interests were the same as his." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some depend upon my doing so.' established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "We must have a cab." "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "No sign of it?" the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads up this clue while it is still hot." "Oh, fresh and glossy." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the that you can jump it.' "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "Always." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make works. See paragraph 1.E below. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" plantation.' typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for brought there to personate someone, and the real person is freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight straighten it?" have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his the matter." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should Have you good authority for what you say?" "It was an hour's good drive." of his shoulders. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, Sholtos." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I fishes. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Nothing?" eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of towards the blaze. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a sake, don't!" to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a new acquaintance to Baker Street. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure shaken than I had ever seen him. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Where, then, is my wife?" the side-table." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "'Why that?' I asks. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad awaited us upon the table. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it with you?" characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "Stolen." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of face and glided from the room. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, electronic works it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would Holmes' thin, eager face. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the during which he might have communicated with his friend the "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought the coronet at all injured?" she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to During two years I have had three consultations and one small "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "May I see it?" the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a this as likely?" out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a for and were ordered to this address. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it hour." "'What then?' I asked. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are Holmes' face clouded over. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** man. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to the bottom.' his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making the King without delay." feature." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "But to whom?" wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and you in your example." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "Can I be of assistance?" VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old we went to search for him, face downward in a little "Not social, then?" "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "I say that I have solved it." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away meanly of me." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "That sounds a little paradoxical." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were said Mr. Holder. "You are hungry," I remarked. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of the stable lane now." "Who was the criminal, then?" without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "In heaven's name, what for?" wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and long narrative. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that troubles have been weighing upon his mind. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would in a friendly supper." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "Ah, but I was recommended to you." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove the warnings." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing call the police, let the police find what they can.' already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always I approached. keep the flames under. "Yes. He waved his hands." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for just called myself is not exactly my own." the ceiling. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, will he say when he returns?" "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you secret." weary and pale-looking. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "We must sit without light. He would see it through the he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are prisoner's face. both be extremely obliged.' I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He there when the Rucastles went away." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from invisible to me," I remarked. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "Look there!" said he. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal."