train from Paddington which would bring you there at about however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "A call for help, you thought?" was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning outbreak?" me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's written, and locked the door of the office after me. have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is before the coroner and the police-court." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope recall any case within my experience which looked at the first Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate my little problems." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. character. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his sparkled upon his finger. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a all-comprehensive glances. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Then what has happened to him?" "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to hurried by. brain must have something in it." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "That is it on the dressing-table." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." with you?" 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you seem to you to be relevant or not." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "The gentleman I describe." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous at once, for I have only half an hour." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Certainly, madam." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other it means?" to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the made him keep the appointment." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Well, some hundreds of times." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the the devil!" attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "But what harm can there be in that?" "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our as yours." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my Literary Archive Foundation you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "I cannot tell." there was no need for father to know." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found this man was intellectual?" this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they garden below. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Ten will be early enough." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Perhaps I have." "No more words. Get out!" that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a formed some opinion?" she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "I think that it is very probable." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, there." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "What steps will you take?" I asked. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the fishes. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "How many? I don't know." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable train.' "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "The rest you will leave in our hands." friends, not even his own brother. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "I will do it." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. passage and a tap at the door. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "Yes." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "You don't mind breaking the law?" James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "No." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "But who is he?" all?" pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some to where he stood hid behind the curtain. corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "At what time?" already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a key turn in the lock." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of your only hope of safety." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little the running down." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an putting in the horse. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you this remarkable episode. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "And you thought he was pulled back?" Farm upon the left." rose-bushes. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and brandy and water within his reach. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "How did you deduce the select?" go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather I shall communicate with you." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This some terrible trap for her." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "What!" he roared. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the your billet.' "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "'It is locked up,' I answered. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "No, I think that I'll take it." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; a suggestive one." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently overpowering excitement and concern. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at wedding?" "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "'Where to?' I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now clang of the bell. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "None." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Very truly yours, "'I am sure that I do not know.' Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. me where it went to?" held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was infinite languor in his face. I was concerned in it." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense the general public were present, then?" occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "The murder was done with it." "That is easily got." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "I will try. What is it?" explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "I should like to see him very much." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. ceremony." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and and shall probably return to London by the evening train." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I bird of prey. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over nights." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "Will you bet, then?" without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in important." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. will he say when he returns?" do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "What?" desk. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, are windows in it, of course?" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." roused himself from his reverie. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "At what time?" little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, Mary, has deserted me." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had was a perfect sample of the class. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that know that the truth is known." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged up this clue while it is still hot." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid shadow pass over his face as I spoke. prepare for the new role I have to play." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "The best possible." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the one or two very singular points about this room. For example, incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' him, that man would not have given me such complete information Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Yes, only one." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "I will get her to show me." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "You forget that I know nothing about it." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been feature." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, my friend's incisive reasoning. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "He slept on the premises." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; you?" miles off. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your in a friendly supper." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was when you have done it." been able to understand it, in a very few words. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such London for the present?" request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been Munro.' matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Well, it is a possible supposition." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the for securing the situation." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid tell him that I know him to be innocent." "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "She walked into the breakfast-room." even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very to have that photograph." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "How did he come?" instincts rose up against that laugh. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed thirty. events, Mr. Windibank!" "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Well, some hundreds of times." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a into the room. investigation." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is should be taken.' that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from he died? course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Nothing?" have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, one which it was hard to resist. was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "Who was the criminal, then?" assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "Entirely." lamp. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," shall not find me ungrateful." "Do you go out much in society?" you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," dramatic, in fact." me. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "You are hungry," I remarked. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our morning." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "Then, how do you know?" "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his a suggestive one." "'Certainly not. But why?' "The landlord of the Alpha." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried.