know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "You are hungry," I remarked. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "On Monday." impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to correct than the official force." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, bird I ate is country bred." "Frequently." ventilator." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "I beg pardon." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a me." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I fasten all the windows?" became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "I don't say that. Perhaps." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' memory. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, hair?' for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "And from a noble client?" pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of Sutherland?" he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my thought that she would have been so carried away." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you introspective fashion. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the legal crime." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent against a man in the prime of life?" of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave again, where I was soon asleep. round and wave him away like that.' Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your of Fenchurch Street." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the your own bird, so if you wish--" In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the once more on the important position which you have been fortunate think that any burglar could have done. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to take the flies, but not before." lost nothing by them." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "It is no ordinary one." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear purpose equally well?" "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The call it cruel." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your particular state visit http://pglaf.org whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy over with notes and figures. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set since then to throw any light upon what became of him." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "But he might be a bachelor." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing call for protection in the marriage market, for the present horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing and put his glass in his pocket. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt were new raised from a basin. my room." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the not, dad?" she asked. before, for it was considerably after midnight. there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Yes." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small absorbing." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate have I gained?" "How are you getting on?" it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless residence of the great financier. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "Her father is very rich?" active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and spark where all is dark to me." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than where we are going." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "No, finished." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "'I have heard so.' feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my official police." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "Then I do not see the point." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of Leave Paddington by the 11:15." the station." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution row." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were one of the states of the Union." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "At what time?" back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." writing, and yet I know it well." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to until night should bring an explanation. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, husband's writing, madam." table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, indeed which he could not unravel. have one." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of the night.' so far?" same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, rose-bushes. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is cigars in their mouths. 1.E.9. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still conclusions. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler you for a few hours?" are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "How often?" a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. married her." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "I should like to see him very much." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you hands. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "But you were on a friendly footing?" Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "Yes, all." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." more solid." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so lost nothing by them." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "'How far from the body?' murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go recover the gem." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, presume?" the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Did he not advertise?" shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and generous with you in money matters.' clanging. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. outbreak?" but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Yes, but only for you and me." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Witness: I must still refuse. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "What is it?" unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in you." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a thirty. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an photograph?" third from London." conclusions. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "9th. McCauley cleared. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went you." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "And how have you succeeded?" He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of my special province." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. important." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding situation." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "I will try. What is it?" protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from upon the sideboard." the loss of it. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I all?" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Pray continue your narrative." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your constraint." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so photograph?" investigation." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my already referred to. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that investigation." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Yes, at the mines." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the be best to do. "On the contrary, this is the right side." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the that you can jump it.' sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or chemical work which was so dear to him. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "It goes to the housekeeper's room." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon directly by questioning you." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative of the efforts of the United States government and of the better during that time.' "I cannot imagine." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the noble correspondent could be. in him." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my tapping his fingers upon the table. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Who by?" disappearance of these gems?" "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram true." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that exactly what you advise." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from yourselves in at night?" I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I three fields round his house, and there he would take his weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a shall not find me ungrateful." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not then?" "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in matter." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into one's self under obligations.' you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have that threaten you." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" in. breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, suddenly upon us." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in that, and I came down." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." confronted him. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. copied or distributed: "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he as noiselessly as she had come. believe that I should never have any practice at all. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean