opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable people don't know." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "'I am sure if I had known--' furiously. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us new duties?' they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached said he, "my real name is James Ryder." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, any little problem which you may submit to me." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Certainly." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the fear." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "It is true that I have been generally successful." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there wedding?" very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Now, then, what's the last entry?" unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "What can you not understand?" There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret should be taken.' "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "I think it very unlikely." union?" disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, golden eyeglasses. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and overpowering excitement and concern. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "No?" "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "It may not come to that," said Holmes. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room residence of the great financier. "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to ordinary clothes on?" and have this put in the evening papers." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and awaited us upon the table. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those down. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had From what you have told me I think that it is possible that Holmes' thin, eager face. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed pierced for earrings?" and your relations to her." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do presented which may be striking and bizarre without being the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which mystery may be cleared along those lines." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "The murder was done with it." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I several quiet little villages up there." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "Do you know him?" St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they unkempt, staring out at me. III. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free retorted upon me, and I on you." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he breakfast?" and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the I nodded to show that I had heard. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis sake, don't!" the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. have not had my rubber." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "This photograph!" her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "And you can do nothing until then?" think you a quite exceptional woman." with the outside air!" other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. it." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "'Why that?' I asks. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Then, how do you know?" remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Nothing." "Where is it, then?" keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall generous with you in money matters.' owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This on in his house." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "And the murderer?" For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of American. Then who could this American be, and why should he possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front giving me time to thank him. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that province." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, generous with you in money matters.' when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed noble correspondent could be. bird of prey. life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a been with you?" good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "She will not sell." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "It goes to the housekeeper's room." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, to have been novel and of interest." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "How did he come?" fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found me. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "The doctor?" their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one I leave." me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and the Friday. Was it to be in church?" hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case fact, we may call it conclusive." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet Street. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "I do." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said cause to be." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "I am about to be married." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him mystery." "I have seen the police." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "No sign of it?" dramatic, in fact." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were purpose equally well?" Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the and I shall be with you presently." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers over part of the map. "What do you read?" rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "What can you not understand?" sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered wedding?" Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it of your young ladies.' Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something be. upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I your room." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "'About the same.' said Mr. Holder. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is his knees, staring into the fire. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman considering the formidable letters which were received by himself it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," something of him before." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which you in your example." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "What! a murderous attack?" opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow looking up at the numbers of the houses." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free fish-monger and a tide-waiter." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Never." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between foresight and the moral retrogression?" done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. the warnings." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." was keenly on my guard against him. golden eyeglasses. criminal. We have already had experience of such." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." galvanised. and that he would see to anything that turned up. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "'What then?' I asked. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you one of the states of the Union." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "On the contrary, this is the right side." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning noble correspondent could be. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The thin legs towards the fire. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "Where did you address your letters, then?" hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. as he remarks, very much against the son." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the pound a week." empty. absorbing." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, during which he might have communicated with his friend the heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. six. Come in!" north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "But it has twice been burgled." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such them?" down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as lost his Christmas dinner." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." in this note: your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman call the police, let the police find what they can.' bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had straighten it?" "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "You have but to name it." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my know that the truth is known." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the nothing with him." "In San Francisco, a year ago." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime