"Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There woman." "Frequently." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "No. What a strange idea!" charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the words came to my lips. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "10th. John Swain cleared. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "Which are?" charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' since then to throw any light upon what became of him." served to weaken the effect. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Entirely." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was brandy and water within his reach. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on imbecility!" he cried. "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "I promise," said Holmes. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having His smile broadened. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it this man was intellectual?" Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." affair. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "This photograph!" "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk where Mr. Fordham shows you.' the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing death." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "How did he come?" compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Why did you beat the pavement?" us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "No legal papers or certificates?" distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill joking. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "'Ample.' "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "Why, what do you mean?" stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would License. You must require such a user to return or coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical Eyford at 11:15.' without success. At last the little money which I had saved began wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your crime. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Which surely he restored to their owner?" purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards will be renamed. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "And your mother is alive?" description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, strength." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "No." affair. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "And how did you find out?" fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Certainly." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "But your client--" within hail.' that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "That sounds a little paradoxical." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me purpose of examination. disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I have I gained?" occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not look dissatisfied." "And your mother is alive?" Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I prison!" The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "That was it, sir." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "It is to him that this trophy belongs." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City looking up at the numbers of the houses." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, charged with?" sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "'You cannot say what it was?' "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles Mary, has deserted me." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "I have hopes." and the colonel ushered me in. least a fellow-countryman. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning populous neighbourhood." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "My dear Holmes!" "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "And the cigar-holder?" say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked disappearance of these gems?" placed his cuttings. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Come in!" said he. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "And your mother is alive?" soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "Precisely so. But how--" His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the to-night?" I asked. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "This photograph!" "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which Eyford at 11:15.' massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the enter into my head. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. the matter." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing kindly on the shoulder. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. extraordinary contortions. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you simple cases which are so extremely difficult." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Ha! you find it so?" and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "A client, then?" "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "Come in!" said Holmes. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his of the vacancies.' of a light. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he 'please.'" "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I details should find their way into the papers. Inspector light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was name is different." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife place of silver." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her and all of them with the keenest interest. intrusion of other matters." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three pictures, libraries, or plate. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "What shall I do?" a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "No good news?" one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" new acquaintance to Baker Street. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, business in the City. She little knew what. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner nonsense.' from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous true." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "No, finished." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in locked. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker crime." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. me." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man article?" logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and fuss that is made over them." What do you deduce from it?" him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the this remarkable episode. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of direction." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last will he say when he returns?" They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such presume?" ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Not particularly." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which be sorry for having acted so harshly." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "He is dead," cried several voices. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he himself in a perplexing position. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my impression behind it as though a window had gently closed round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "I should wish to." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a to-morrow." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get she slowly sank and died without having recovered her same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to with some details as to your case." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told mystery!" however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer she has been waylaid. There has been no result." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of done what I asked you, Jones?" explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a business came to an end." next day. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into you do it in twenty minutes!' known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Yes." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "Will you bet, then?" 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "I shall be delighted." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "But what will you do?" "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "What of the rat, then?" and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or the best of training." this remarkable episode. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the get the tickets." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "A greater distance to travel." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "What do you mean?" must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "How about poison?" look dissatisfied." "Your sister is dead, then?" have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, secret." with some details as to your case." his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 noise which awoke you from your sleep?" more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself said he. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be weigh very heavily upon my conscience." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six girl said." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and