sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that sufficient punishment." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to works. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "And I." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "You forget that I know nothing about it." ceremony." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away appeared upon the scene." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. asked. It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom society." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "But what is it you wish?" 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." not come at once?" considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, ways including including checks, online payments and credit card he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "One of his hands." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall the matter." "VIOLET HUNTER." was shining brightly. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work Stoke Moran." goes." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "I see no marks." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped chance." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "I guessed as much." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father to have that photograph." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "'I have already given you my word.' was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they yourselves in at night?" "Has he come with you to-night?" "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of long narrative. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try most important business. It is probable that he will be away all unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing there." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" extraordinary contortions. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "One?" least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As his knees, staring into the fire. open." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to go back?" upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "This photograph!" "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "I shall most certainly do so." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "Holmes, the busybody!" Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a the Red-headed League." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "It is to him that this trophy belongs." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the views." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again bird I ate is country bred." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and bird of prey. and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." lips." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," four million human beings all jostling each other within the severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "How many? I don't know." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "I cannot say that I have." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "I was afraid that you were engaged." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." the salesman. "Quite so. She has her freedom." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had garden below. glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "Married! When?" Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a to tell." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in four million human beings all jostling each other within the "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking you want, then?' think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "'What do you call purely nominal?' six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I do." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in Eyford." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "Certainly." once more for Briony Lodge. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself meanly of me." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would subject to the trademark license, especially commercial going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "To ruin me." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "It certainly sounds feasible." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you to talk it over. for and were ordered to this address. "The landlord of the Alpha." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he Stoke Moran." some city in a dream. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman point our research must commence, and we will begin it by company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella that both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "You think so, too?" and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was me what he had done with the three missing stones. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is arrested. You then--" "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from Watson," he said cordially. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "We were both in the photograph." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "Yes, at the mines." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, you give your casting vote to?" "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, held up the lantern and gazed about him. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "She walked into the breakfast-room." "You have but to name it." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "If I can be of use." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "And the cigar-holder?" about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Yes." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent even so self-evident a thing as that." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two easy-going way." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "Your presence might be invaluable." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is you give your casting vote to?" "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line beg that you will break it off." "'Certainly not.' spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in anything to a woman, for she would have her way." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be confronted him. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal as he remarks, very much against the son." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Yes." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but with her." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a excitement. we went to search for him, face downward in a little particular state visit http://pglaf.org have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "And is that all?" confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Perhaps we may make them less so." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "How do you know, then?" your bag." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three business at Coburg Square is serious." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in on in his house." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "Murdered?" "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "'What would be the hours?' I asked. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have a little more before I quite committed myself. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to she used." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" definite end. companion. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND derbies." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking already been minutely examined." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the Countess of Morcar's?" Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not a room. Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP few hundred pounds.' Sholtos." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to pictures, libraries, or plate. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled simple cases which are so extremely difficult." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction were unconscious?" tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless For additional contact information: or other trace. But how on earth--" from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "That you are never beaten." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt from you?" pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "What steps will you take?" I asked. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" future lives." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with room. father's young wife. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "He slept on the premises." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' certainly do as you advise." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in to-night?' I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand stood on the top of it. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "What is it?" "Yes, the wine-cellar." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "Of what day?" empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A your co-operation." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with