humiliation." again." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "Dark enough and sinister enough." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned during the last few years, and there are many noble families to when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock were unconscious?" "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith and have this put in the evening papers." several quiet little villages up there." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "Here?" meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. forbidden door. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "No?" - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "'Oh, no.' settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the the general public were present, then?" Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that you in yours." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I himself to hunt down. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they room had already been engaged for us. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "By all means." upon the shelf for the interim." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "I would give my fortune to have them back." "'I am sure that I do not know.' wall." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had them?" are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish your room." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. door?" there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in him." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's very morning of my second wedding." remarked. "Will you go?" "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. never came back." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "No, but the enclosure is." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no is acting for the best. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "I never have." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not where Mr. Fordham shows you.' tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to John Swain, of St. Augustine. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "What! Had he lost his wife?" I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. cheerful." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from behind me. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I when your master had gone out." people in all walks of life. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "I answered that I had not. that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in with her." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips congratulate you again." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Do you go out much in society?" wedding?" Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived case-book, which he consulted. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter drawing your inferences." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head or in danger--" "Yes. He waved his hands." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my any more." "'It is locked up,' I answered. "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "But I am all in the dark." one which it was hard to resist. the roots. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your it? Did I buy the geese off you?" to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had it." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. and all of them with the keenest interest. these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" union?" entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and respectable self." despaired of." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact promised to bring home. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, my room." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, horse could go." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "I was mad--insane." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "But what is it you wish?" Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers murdered man." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall and wait." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no for the market.' photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very weigh very heavily upon my conscience." His smile broadened. success. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated secret." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, towards the blaze. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time will take you up to see the machine.' "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "Very. But will he see it?" Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "Pray continue your narrative." three fields round his house, and there he would take his others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "So I have heard." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, yet." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than then?" the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the cigar and let me expound." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "By no means." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I DISSOLVED. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out companion. "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good been deceived." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. minor matters until to-morrow." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "No, my brougham is waiting." to have that photograph." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "What! You do not mean bodies?" opened the door, and slipped through. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, The King stared at him in amazement. "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would outsides of the windows. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a be there in time for your coming." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are weary and pale-looking. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "Yes." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. observed. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "She told me to ask you." in his power. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her into the bag, and made for the door. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion not interfere, come what may. You understand?" body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, again, where I was soon asleep. awaited us upon the table. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would there was no need for father to know." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "Why serious?" which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "But how will you look?" "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature shall use the carriage to-night." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the of." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "I have hopes." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. upon the white wrist. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the 1.F. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the cheerful." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, careless servant girl?" "You were travelling in the States?" opportunities to fix the problem. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away Where does the thing come from?' "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "'No, I know no one in these parts.' was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the wedding?" lectures into a series of tales." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one threw himself down with his face to the pillow. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "No, but the enclosure is." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two tell them apart.' time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs washing it down with a long draught of water. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "If I can be of use." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand man. I know him from the photograph." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "And the murderer?" "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "'Oh, no.' from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The directors have had misgivings upon the subject." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' to-night's adventure." "A confidential servant?" me have 200 pounds?' in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, photograph?" "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the chemical work which was so dear to him. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet was a perfect sample of the class. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" thin, with a long, sharp nose?" Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to dramatic, in fact." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent sufficient punishment."