country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's things are very often connected not with the larger but with the the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich colonel looking down at me. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" had died away into the silence from which it rose. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "I answered that I had not. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "What then?" band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could begin with, and I had not got mine yet." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further throat." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." hurried by. often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing promised to bring home. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding down. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "And your father? Did you tell him?" interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "What?" direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he enough to aid us in our search." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from his eyes and forehead. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Texas, I think." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few do." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "What of the rat, then?" "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It tension within him. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice four million human beings all jostling each other within the four million human beings all jostling each other within the "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "What will you say?" from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the made him keep the appointment." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand children over to America with him, so that I found myself without usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a not interfere, come what may. You understand?" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about ago." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not McCarthy." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found too. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "No, I had a dozen." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of again on its way. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the Lee, in the county of Kent." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform pictures, libraries, or plate. Countess of Morcar's?" "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." forebodings. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "But who is he?" questionable one." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the against a man in the prime of life?" keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy Arthur Conan Doyle road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. comes from the middle window." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their coroner's jury." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my entirely devoid of interest." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were of Fenchurch Street." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his gone before you can get him to hospital." "No good news?" "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his me what he had done with the three missing stones. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Where did you address your letters, then?" a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "To ruin me." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the I think that I could be of assistance to you." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the is," said he presently: they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other burst out into a roar of laughter. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had you, my dear young lady?' very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "I guessed as much." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "May I see it?" her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my matter." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "'Is purely nominal.' evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a as he remarks, very much against the son." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of asked. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "'Then let me do so?' eat it." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "He is dead," cried several voices. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each populous neighbourhood." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The and effective." "What steps will you take?" I asked. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "Perfectly so." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "I do." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "But how?" those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found writers could invent nothing more crude." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "No. What a strange idea!" I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Nor running a chance of arrest?" hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a telegram would bring me down to your help." this poor creature." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching Leadenhall Street--and--" but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my interested in these little problems, and since you are good it." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but conduct the inquiry." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots ready to-morrow?' wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey beyond words. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "'And the work?' I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. secret." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. prison!" "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another troubles have been weighing upon his mind. yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for the Friday. Was it to be in church?" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, than to us. bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was memory. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set completely overtopped every other consideration that we both warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "On the contrary, this is the right side." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, too. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied outbreak?" Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Yes, but only for you and me." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his detained." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my writers could invent nothing more crude." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "No, finished." chamber." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Pray do so." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was redistribution. Lee, in the county of Kent." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter think that any burglar could have done. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "I will, Miss Turner." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, impression behind it as though a window had gently closed aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a I am not easy in my mind about them." "Won't it ring?" tell them apart.' 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were note?" reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every likely to be some crony of the landlady's." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon delighted to hear it," he said. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from answered with a sidelong glance. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "I was afraid that you were engaged." yet." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew this Miss Turner." "He said that you could solve anything." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "And why?" has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. be there in time for your coming." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "How can you tell that?" property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less power." whereabouts. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "How are you getting on?" saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the see a sister of mine apply for." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "What, then, did Peterson do?" I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts I nodded to show that I had heard. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Yes, the wine-cellar." your room." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing the south-west, I see." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "You have compromised yourself seriously." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now if she died from some sudden fright." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if I held the little printed slip to the light. the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little him!" will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed disturbance in my wife." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "That is unusual in a young girl." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "'Yes.' sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that nonsense.' "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about tightly behind him. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was persecution?" "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." good for you to do.' man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "But of what society?" creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what presented more singular features than that which was associated a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "But his left-handedness." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and