call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "Frequently." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such husband's writing, madam." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the it." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of trifles." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an as this. Pray let me have the details." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much gbnewby@pglaf.org put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I little trying to do so much typewriting?" here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss this as likely?" "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "An accident, I presume?" 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: arrested. You then--" jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Then I can wait in the next room." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. had no one to advise her at such a crisis." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the emerged. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the ready to-morrow?' "Won't it ring?" of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled second window is the one that I jumped from." character. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then 'I should be able to look after that for you.' side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "It certainly sounds feasible." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small ways of our fellow-men." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss be.' luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "She will not sell." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "You are hungry," I remarked. the station." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. within hail.' "She will not sell." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for the coronet at all injured?" fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he along the entire front of the house, with three long windows mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' leave you to your papers for a little." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was that I can to serve you." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' such attractions and accomplishments?' not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would taking in every detail of the apartment. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "You have a clue?" "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "The murder was done with it." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "Yes, it was twisted." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "I see many objections to any such theory." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to do.' long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." know what is wrong with it.' "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is true." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' money should be paid at once.' "To the police?" help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." which are rolled in Rotterdam." the best of training." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last as the one I chose?' matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, up this clue while it is still hot." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and noise which awoke you from your sleep?" believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the people don't know." all that?" which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "Then you may be so with me." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and assist you in forming an opinion." "'Then let me do so?' Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until crime. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Not in the least." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called skylight. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his shoulder. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do bird I ate is country bred." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. noting anything else of interest. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "In heaven's name, what for?" Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the which was all perfectly true. "Yes, certainly." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard your only hope of safety." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever closing the door. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark but preventing her from injuring another. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from already been minutely examined." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "And how did you verify them?" "Get out!" said he. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had cup of tea. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no fear." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into leaning back in his chair. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "I am in hopes that she does." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with From what you have told me I think that it is possible that treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "That also I could fathom." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in trying to your nerves." should be so warm over such a trifle." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" indeed happy." "Was he the only applicant?" stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor fasten all the windows?" "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing very morning of my second wedding." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "You don't mind breaking the law?" "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left would apply.' He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "'I am sure that I do not know.' "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked towards the blaze. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town prison!" "Breckinridge is his name." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could the roots. four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your morning." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and business?" struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the gone before you can get him to hospital." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. secret." out of this horrible affair." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Then you may be so with me." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so off." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "And I say east," said my patient. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "What do you make of that, Watson?" "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" arrangements." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in the very morning of the wedding." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "I will get her to show me." open." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would weighed down with some great anxiety. "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "And why?" Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions were unconscious?" is worth.' thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "What! You do not mean bodies?" sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his straightened it out again. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her heavily into it. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your within hail.' "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which as he remarks, very much against the son." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the which was all perfectly true. those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek status with the IRS. at my own good fortune. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "I will do it." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "None." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of you." "Then, how do you know?" just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "'Quite sure, dad.' Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy without success. At last the little money which I had saved began a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a speckled band?" How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "He might." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock everything which you would wish to know." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you and files of the old papers, following the future career of every the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as works. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "She told me to ask you." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to are, and they are waiting for us." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and persecution?" "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. approach us with offers to donate. "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "Certainly." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her Does that suggest anything?" received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a written. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "Perhaps I have." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "I am armed." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "I am in hopes that she does." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his six. Come in!" the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt and the colonel ushered me in. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Absolutely?" the iron safe, which he closed upon it. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had soul! here is her carriage at the door." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A nothing of it?" "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "And what then?" vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off