places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a and no precautions can guard against." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, and glanced through. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "It came here." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I me what he had done with the three missing stones. "The King of Scandinavia." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her once more to my work. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if back alive. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "What I expected to see." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the and laid it on the table. bears upon the case?" seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. rose-bushes. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "'You cannot say what it was?' giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining page at http://pglaf.org "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "Witness: It was. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced your most interesting statement." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "He is dead," cried several voices. you in yours." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought indiscretion." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if joking. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of bird of prey. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "We were both in the photograph." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "Will you bet, then?" could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "You horrify me!" there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are public press." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to States. "And the cigar-holder?" little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the I was concerned in it." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" certainly not very gracious." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "Who was the criminal, then?" Sutherland?" an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front drove away. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at of this gang." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of read over the extraordinary announcement. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "I have come for advice." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. arrested. You then--" other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over what I may call a really hard day's work." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "Of Friday, June 19th." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what highroad, where all traces were lost. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to said he. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have look upon these things in a different way." "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "And you don't know his address?" "Well, some hundreds of times." "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "Ah!" Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. companion. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "You have carte blanche." crime." nights." was a loud and authoritative tap. "I never have." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Witness: Nothing definite. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "Which are?" at my remark. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination trifles." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "'Why that?' I asks. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt like gravel from a pit.' Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, gigantic client. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are little adventures." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which horse could go." page at http://pglaf.org "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We side. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she words came to my lips. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as here and I will read it to you: October 9, 1890. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden meant." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in from you?" During two years I have had three consultations and one small moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, unprecedented a position." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: directors, with the result that you have seen." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at evidence," I remarked. "Was your sister dressed?" "Which surely he restored to their owner?" say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "But how?" "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you have one." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Then the page we have seen--" It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "Where, then, is my wife?" he. "Then how many are there?" strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back horse could go." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, was not a bird to be seen there. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying bearing upon the case." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my results." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "My dear Holmes!" "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous of a light. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, I leave." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed been able to understand it, in a very few words. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more hurried by. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of purpose of examination. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that suddenly upon us." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how learned something! Where are the gems?" "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "That is unusual in a young girl." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "Well, some hundreds of times." happened." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he than was visible to me." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He the matter." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Then I can wait in the next room." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the considering the formidable letters which were received by himself of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, our word." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the prove to be little relation between the different incidents of surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "Married! When?" the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "Quite so." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done the inquest, and which are worth considering." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup there was no need for father to know." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "A greater distance to travel." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Oh, yes, easily." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "She told me to ask you." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND the bottom.' helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten night.' said he. How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My now. It seems that there had been some informality about their fishes. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found developed." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or upon the white wrist. the coroner come to?" which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of approach us with offers to donate. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his go back?" surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no back to my heart. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been approach us with offers to donate. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "No, but the enclosure is." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one habit of advancing money.' the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Nothing." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense Gutenberg-tm License. "In which, sir?" eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Will you bet, then?" "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project article?" pictures, libraries, or plate. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the public press." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "'Quite sure, dad.' thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And fishes. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "And your father? Did you tell him?" "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such at once, for I have only half an hour." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My lost nothing by them." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "A confidential servant?" increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "My Mary? Impossible!" and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property one's self under obligations.' them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me with you?" his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the interests were the same as his." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth tell him that I know him to be innocent." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have approach us with offers to donate. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "Absolutely none." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have imbecility!" he cried. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "'Most admirably.' "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty waste of energy." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "10th. John Swain cleared. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us the armchair which I pushed forward for him. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." where we are going." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from business matters.' thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical a little more before I quite committed myself. with her." creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Eh? What was that?" so.' When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so