and your relations to her." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." are, I think, all that we need." in this way: instincts rose up against that laugh. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a front of the hall door has given its name to the place. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be think, you have already met." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Perhaps I have." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "You'll never persuade me to believe that." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "And how did you verify them?" keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his hurried away. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "It came here." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or Clair, of Lee." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's a monotonous occupation." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Pray let us have it, for all that." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. without a word or a look. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally of Mr. Rucastle's." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. business matters.' Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "Witness: It was. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a me. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her occupations.' that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in as yours." people in all walks of life. which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "On Monday." prisoner's face. and it need not interfere very much with one's other upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found must be when I saw the door open.' this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, is entirely a question of barometric pressure." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing bedroom door." "'A dozen yards or so.' "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter heavy and sharp instrument." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. three of the beryls in it, was missing. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. second." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked been able to understand it, in a very few words. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that make me his representative both with the servants and with the that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "'As governess?' in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "I don't say that. Perhaps." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, past. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young place, I think that there is good ground to think that the INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "Did you observe the colour?" business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend relief. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is points in connection with it which never have been, and probably the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "To an English lawyer named Norton." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet upon a handsome competence. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you Sholtos." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Leadenhall Street--and--" shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' one of the states of the Union." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a ready to-morrow?' would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and the warnings." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "It is very kind of you." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "She told me to ask you." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens might have a private word with us. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "Married! When?" as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham power." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where lectures into a series of tales." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "What are they?" array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his if she died from some sudden fright." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "It came here." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." placed his cuttings. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short 'please.'" assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that pierced for earrings?" these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "It is a murder, then?" shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "'Then let me do so?' were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room to change my dress. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, begin with, and I had not got mine yet." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Nothing." "I have hopes." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his until night should bring an explanation. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest neither fascinating nor artistic." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would tail." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but one's self under obligations.' the loss of it. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "May I see it?" when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one are, I think, all that we need." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "But it has twice been burgled." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and Munro.' without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "She walked into the breakfast-room." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "Absolutely?" was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "What will you do, then?" over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with been deceived." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "How often?" notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the not fit the lock." fait accompli?" See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "I will do it." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only gigantic client. must compliment you." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" is entirely a question of barometric pressure." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change http://gutenberg.net/license). I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "Yes, at the mines." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." Does that suggest anything?" eavesdroppers?' old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress appeal." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do points to suicide?" see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all affection." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "'And the work?' patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you envelope. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain murdered man." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve the roots. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking people don't know." his wife has ceased to love him." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "It was an hour's good drive." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey leave you to your papers for a little." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of investigation." "She showed me, as I told you she would." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "In what way?" asked Holmes. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "You horrify me!" Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "I fear not." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the south, for the country is more deserted there." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "Not yet." "In answer to an advertisement." "'Then let me do so?' Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven because she had spent so short a time in this country that she tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the your own bird, so if you wish--" of your young ladies.' association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may highly," said Holmes. open." "Really! You surprise me." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring room. ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "It came here." minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "It was an hour's good drive." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable chill to my heart. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said shadow pass over his face as I spoke. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. is a common subject for conversation. The events in question occurred in the early days of my it." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, morning." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a village inn over there?" fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" before, for it was considerably after midnight. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project details should find their way into the papers. Inspector Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and Arthur Conan Doyle have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "It is half-past ten now." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it main points of my analysis." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "I have seen the police." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Which surely he restored to their owner?" upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking the salesman. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in daring than any effort of the imagination." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his sofa. This way, please!" sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss you do it in twenty minutes!' mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "'I am sure if I had known--' chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "And Miss Sutherland?" his face which made him a very different person to the round, away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the