"Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger me where it went to?" fashion which was peculiar to him. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. even of instruction." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow there were one or two details which were new to me. But the before the coroner and the police-court." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "I am in hopes that she does." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the shoulder. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the it? Did I buy the geese off you?" his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "No sign of it?" "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one indiscretion." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. once more. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of everything which you would wish to know." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, you understand?" salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "May I see it?" "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him him." shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it redistribution. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "Yes." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and developed." here and I will read it to you: "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in of a light. seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, fashion which was peculiar to him. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little writing, and yet I know it well." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" woven round him. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to direction." "He said that you could solve anything." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." his knees, staring into the fire. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the brandy and water within his reach. about. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a written. "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Oh, fresh and glossy." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in to-night?" I asked. crackling voice. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a families. Now for the facts. "Married! When?" "And how did you find out?" THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason and that he would see to anything that turned up. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had in your London, you will know that the office of the company is smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a depend upon my doing so.' from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their crackling voice. Holmes. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the served to weaken the effect. "'There is a drive, then?' charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "I will do it." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Certainly, madam." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "Yes." three of the beryls in it, was missing. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost useful material for showing traces. The double line a little He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa is four-and-twenty." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "No sign of it?" back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "In San Francisco, a year ago." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated even so self-evident a thing as that." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "I cannot imagine." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell disappearance of the bride.'" once more. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "One of his hands." placed his cuttings. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and speckled band?" "I should be immensely obliged to you." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the be best to do. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor which are rolled in Rotterdam." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about Young McCarthy must be got off, however." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "Then he might have called to you?" thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "Very truly yours, downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." with you?" three of the beryls in it, was missing. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting just called myself is not exactly my own." go--none." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the spare." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned together. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his ordinary clothes on?" you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "What then?" may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "He said too much." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "I was certainly surprised to find you there." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "My dear Holmes!" the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "'In my own bureau.' sneer upon his pale face. meant it for the best. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. was lame." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" notes," he said. my former friend and companion. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "And for present expenses?" managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle or other trace. But how on earth--" "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared and have this put in the evening papers." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open was used.' He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "I see no marks." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" giving me time to thank him. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, peculiar to him. I am not easy in my mind about them." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest troubles have been weighing upon his mind. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the tail." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just in darkness. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and the one as in the other." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off of Mr. Rucastle's." "How are you getting on?" turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided asked. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate developed." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait is," said he presently: me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. in your London, you will know that the office of the company is slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "But how did you gain them?" my secret was safe in his possession. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what should be taken.' his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "Very much so." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further Street. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I she used." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such Eyford at 11:15.' copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark go--none." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, His name is Francis Prosper." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he have one." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a morning." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "No good news?" have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained feature." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "You have carte blanche." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, and your relations to her." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended your only hope of safety." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "An enemy?" "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "What steps will you take?" I asked. having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite in your London, you will know that the office of the company is as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to strode off upon his way. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is will not take me long to tell. "Where, then, is my wife?" Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the public press." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. distinguish the words: which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. writing, and yet I know it well." "Yes." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I wife's character?" to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Upon what point?" "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith my friend's incisive reasoning. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." so far?" the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of horse could go." "Yes." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "None." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "'A dozen yards or so.' thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were about here speaks of his kindness to him." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and the best of training." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your London for the present?" corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard place no limit on the sum I may draw." purpose equally well?" been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had overpowering excitement and concern. "Stolen, then." a suggestive one." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and in this way: you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, directors have had misgivings upon the subject." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Well, some hundreds of times." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the for and were ordered to this address. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I speckled band?" little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," me upon any point which I do not make clear." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an the Friday. Was it to be in church?" calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the been lifted and conveyed somewhere." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has into the bag, and made for the door. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. IS "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" entirely lost his self-respect." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" depend upon my doing so.' to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. wedding?" them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land