over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your views." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said Pope's Court. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of was a perfect sample of the class. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the least a most suspicious remark." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help which our visitor detailed to us. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third through." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "What, then, did Peterson do?" some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "But who is he?" his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll is now desirous of getting those letters back." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the murdered man." the bed, and you in that chair." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to became a certainty. it were putty." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he way in." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "But his lameness?" burst out into a roar of laughter. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly him, that man would not have given me such complete information look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "By train from Waterloo." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on see a sister of mine apply for." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of straighten it?" methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other at my own good fortune. copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the are, I think, all that we need." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. conceal it?" and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was But Holmes shook his head gravely. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "What have you to say now?" strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "I will get her to show me." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was most important business. It is probable that he will be away all said I. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Stolen." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Then you may be so with me." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since as yours." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away electronic works LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she and no precautions can guard against." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "Your sister is dead, then?" to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. strong reason behind." "'Why that?' I asks. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself chemical work which was so dear to him. the coronet in his hand?" nice household for a young lady." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "But to whom?" wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "At half-wages, in fact." "No." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our It may be so in this case, also." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An other, as fresh and trim as possible. together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers go from here to the Strand." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." outside. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to his huge brown hands. "What do you mean?" with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Was she in good spirits?" case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "No." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "Stolen." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as that 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards good-night and bustled off upon her way. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a upon the sideboard." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which fuss that is made over them." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "Tired-looking or fresh?" there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, weapon." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the III. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "'Yes, sir.' great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque during the last few years, and there are many noble families to the salesman. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE constraint." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' trying to your nerves." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Of what day?" As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You Chief Executive and Director it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "None." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it tied." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. following enigmatical notices: central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or not within a twentieth part of the market price." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of upon the sideboard." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was is a common subject for conversation. him to be an active member of the medical profession." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "I answered that I had not. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. discontent upon his features. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "Then you may be so with me." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Then I do not see the point." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This returning from some small jollification and was making his way little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no is entirely a question of barometric pressure." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "The decline of his fortunes, then?" probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, so.' me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." chambers. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A presume?" electronic works course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he have one." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you secret." gentleman's clothes. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Where is it, then?" nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a against a man in the prime of life?" a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Why did you pick him?" these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "Who by?" "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of appeal." the stones. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not and I shall be with you presently." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or help us in this matter." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "And help." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But know what is wrong with it.' before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "I am still in the dark." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "A call for help, you thought?" usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the conversation I have gathered that they have been married about cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing the warnings." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "I was certainly surprised to find you there." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector their singular warning or token before them when starting upon or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the the morning and make my own way in the world.' of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the the bed, and you in that chair." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' interests were the same as his." undoubtedly my uncle's." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and and I shall be with you presently." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "I shall most certainly do so." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester not within a twentieth part of the market price." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried dear old homesteads?" "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been any." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Then I am your man." "Witness: Nothing definite. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove prove to be little relation between the different incidents of sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to know what is wrong with it.' glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "A thing like a cleaver," said he. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about instincts rose up against that laugh. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the respectable self." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two the so-precious time, but come!' States. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did mysterious end." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "You have but to name it." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "But of what society?" "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "No." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Not him." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. woven round him. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that heavy and sharp instrument." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "Pray let us have it, for all that." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "I answered that I had not. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was