and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "At half-wages, in fact." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be John Swain, of St. Augustine. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in pressing in one house as in another. and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could back to my heart. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that or other trace. But how on earth--" and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small flock.' and inquire as to the address." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to said he, "my real name is James Ryder." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "Awake, Watson?" he asked. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "'Oh, no.' Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents weapon." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "'What, the red-headed man?' "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "What will you do, then?" door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white late!' house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "And the cigar-holder?" son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me dear old homesteads?" have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for will not take me long to tell. "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with Sutherland?" adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "Yes." appointment with me for six o'clock?" your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "About a month then." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "To an English lawyer named Norton." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before the dangers which encompass me." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the fuss that is made over them." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the conclusions. "Here?" to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "Dr. Becher's." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would and glanced through. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred Eyford at 11:15.' and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I overpowering excitement and concern. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their important." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered go from here to the Strand." house for five minutes.' it means?" the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was into the room. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, vague figure huddled up in the darkness. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure along the entire front of the house, with three long windows knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. Chief Executive and Director gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "Of what?" daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "'Yes, sir.' records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him cigar and let me expound." introspective fashion. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without prison!" downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Do you know him?" "I think that it is very probable." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, help us in this matter." long narrative. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came observed. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you detective. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." true." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." flock.' case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune footfalls from the street. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of his grey eyes. forehead. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed McCarthy." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "But his left-handedness." DISSOLVED. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "Oh, fresh and glossy." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us than to us. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we in. "How many? I don't know." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the were unconscious?" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "And sit in the dark?" forbidden door. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot behind me. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "If I can be of use." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "I was sure that I might rely on you." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "'Yes, I promise.' "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the entirely devoid of interest." "'In my own bureau.' "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such know all about it," he snarled. with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a goes." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at plantation.' paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was DISSOLVED. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. if I call to-morrow?" the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his friends, not even his own brother. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and the King without delay." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "I have my revolver," said I. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is towards the blaze. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "She told me to ask you." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets leave you to your papers for a little." as this. Pray let me have the details." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." colour had been driven from his face. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "'What then?' I asked. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "I am all attention, madam." I approached. "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I away to you." the morning and make my own way in the world.' think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "'What then?' I asked. were wasted." "Precisely." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I Sutherland?" remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of maiden herself was most instructive." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis you do it in twenty minutes!' turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "From his hat?" habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "And that is--" others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "Then how many are there?" "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Oh, yes, easily." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and south, for the country is more deserted there." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle that you saw all that I did." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed the best of training." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. approach us with offers to donate. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, society." in his power. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was way in." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the amused." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to and I shall be with you presently." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, in his power. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little recall any case within my experience which looked at the first me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "It is possible." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "And that is--" were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is prepare for the new role I have to play." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide might help us?" "And for present expenses?" away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "How long did she speak to this Alice?" in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the over here." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger and I shall be with you presently." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, or other trace. But how on earth--" like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "I was sure that I might rely on you." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve laugh and put his lips to my ear. soul! here is her carriage at the door." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry prisoner's face. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "And when will you call?" his huge brown hands. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "And what did you learn from him?" "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." Again Holmes raved in the air. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his distinguish the words: "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "And the cigar-holder?" It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Yes." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "Well, but China?" all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "'How far from the body?' sofa. This way, please!" adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen affair. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin written, and locked the door of the office after me. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he to tackle the facts." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two