you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each door?" Pope's Court. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "How did you deduce the select?" conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly be best to do. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "'Then let me do so?' another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his the coronet in his hands?" down in his armchair and closing his eyes. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered go from here to the Strand." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I recall any case within my experience which looked at the first that I may have something better before very many minutes are how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "Certainly, madam." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be http://www.gutenberg.net Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "That's no good." mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "But how will you look?" garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the drove away. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. than was visible to me." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "No bad?" "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, me. You must get home instantly and act." everything which you would wish to know." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" long narrative. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under Serpentine Avenue. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head intimate personal affairs in this public manner." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own that "Precisely." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Who was the criminal, then?" the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said burst into a hearty fit of laughter. stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "Holmes, the busybody!" clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. that, and I came down." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and man. I know him from the photograph." "Then how many are there?" "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather lost nothing by them." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "I see no marks." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the noting anything else of interest. invisible to me," I remarked. prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. brain must have something in it." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to speckled band?" points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "But not more so than I to find you." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "Yes, I have one waiting." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter events, Mr. Windibank!" "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and could not have written that. It is the German who is so call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return horse could go." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his became a certainty. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever works. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, all-comprehensive glances. forehead. "Not social, then?" "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the are, I think, all that we need." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are rat could hardly pass through." Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should I. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her night.' said he. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the was a loud and authoritative tap. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Pray be precise as to details," said he. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "I cannot think." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the made him keep the appointment." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor will be renamed. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "He might." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She that he has suffered." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed one or two very singular points about this room. For example, wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the despair." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "You have compromised yourself seriously." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "In answer to an advertisement." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "Not yet." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing or other trace. But how on earth--" silent! Oh, he will be silent!' know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending them present such singular features as the strange train of "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a lost nothing by them." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low definite end. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing undoubtedly my uncle's." "'Entirely.' "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. clanging. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential it with his own hands." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father strong and stiff." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "My last client of the sort was a king." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "Where is it, then?" return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Yes, I have one waiting." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "We have tried and failed." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now fat-encircled eyes. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Yes, only one." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." hurried away. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the for securing the situation." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I death." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "I shall be delighted." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and who was a member of your goose club." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever young Openshaw's." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to I approached. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead for and were ordered to this address. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "'I have heard so.' much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence writer." security.' pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "So I am. Very much so." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" occurred." head. So long, then!" "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "'Is 4 pounds a week.' girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off ceremony." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my she might be summoned. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the absolutely follow my advice in every respect." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" rat could hardly pass through." practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "My Mary? Impossible!" "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "How long did she speak to this Alice?" one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country himself to hunt down. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still constraint." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few so.' and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save the salesman. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "May I see it?" reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole of the efforts of the United States government and of the better into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate Leadenhall Street--and--" mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil coroner's jury." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. if only as a check to my own memory." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's ago." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. do." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "My photograph." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, as this. Pray let me have the details." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, companion imperturbably. framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, extraordinary contortions. and it need not interfere very much with one's other very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Perhaps we may make them less so." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by presented more singular features than that which was associated "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." jewels which you have stolen?' kind enough to tell me what I should do." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the his knees, staring into the fire. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow extraordinary contortions. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Awake, Watson?" he asked. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That carried out of court." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can matter." me where it went to?" rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, against a man in the prime of life?"