swore that no one else had been in the front room during the occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that I was concerned in it." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "Well, some hundreds of times." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. disappearance of the bride.'" number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and key turn in the lock." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid From what you have told me I think that it is possible that taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day reach." knowledge of the world." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for indiscretion." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "The murder was done with it." that he has suffered." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "Perhaps I have." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. was keenly on my guard against him. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an voice, changing her seat as requested. even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End village inn over there?" bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "'I am sure if I had known--' VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad business?" my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I to that open window." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "You horrify me!" some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, public press." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is enough to aid us in our search." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect was the fact that his father should, according to his account, and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a me have 200 pounds?' "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "Which surely he restored to their owner?" charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, families. Now for the facts. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." the Red-headed League." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you had this final quarrel? to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "Where is it, then?" signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which his eyes and forehead. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just tear off another piece?' arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "ARAT," I read. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This in this way: "You have a clue?" Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination http://www.gutenberg.net young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "I see many objections to any such theory." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. to that open window." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm is," said he presently: I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that redistribution. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it that before taking the final step I should like to submit the fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did it with his own hands." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it memory. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by really the only notable feature about the thing." notes," he said. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "But what harm can there be in that?" to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "Do you receive much company?" he asked. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "My opinion is in no way altered." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems the running down." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be the room while you explain this matter?" "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "Just look it up, then." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has passage and a tap at the door. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest in. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me breakfast." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a may have an influence upon European history." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that seven miles from Eyford Station.' and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the a good hundred miles off by now." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "None." overpowering excitement and concern. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our father's place of business?" However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who colour had been driven from his face. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that she to prove their authenticity?" beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "'Tell me all about it,' said I. at my own good fortune. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "You are all wrong." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Yes, only one." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, think that any burglar could have done. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who vague figure huddled up in the darkness. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just impression behind it as though a window had gently closed do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "I guessed as much." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "It goes to the housekeeper's room." himself. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." which it had come upon my father." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far the matter." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom humiliation." situation." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I I held the little printed slip to the light. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a should be taken.' successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "'Never,' said I. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly meant." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all is worth.' everything which you would wish to know." "It was." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Come in!" said he. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the Street. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting despair." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "In answer to an advertisement." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage Foundation to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "But what will you do?" it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a friends, not even his own brother. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Yes." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't was not a bird to be seen there. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We noting anything else of interest. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to manager. "I promise," said Holmes. that threaten you." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. status with the IRS. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She the morning and make my own way in the world.' "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "The best possible." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled sake, don't!" science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To or other trace. But how on earth--" and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Who was the criminal, then?" breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the begin with, and I had not got mine yet." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is problems help me to do so." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution like that before?" the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Did your wife hear all this?" housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss companion quietly. "Then how many are there?" Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a swore that no one else had been in the front room during the A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or have had none more fantastic than this." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. is now desirous of getting those letters back." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four this remarkable episode. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative helping a boy to put up the shutters. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "What are they?" imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "Witness: Nothing definite. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from British peeress.'" "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these several quiet little villages up there." rooms." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do a little more before I quite committed myself. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked rose-bushes. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it enough to aid us in our search." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." fatally injured? down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to who was a member of your goose club." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon triumphant cloud from his cigarette. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Do you know him?" "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could head. So long, then!" "Whose house is it?" had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her depend upon my doing so.' feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much one of the states of the Union." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy questionable one." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." himself. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up voice. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "To ruin me." "I should be immensely obliged to you." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place not come at once?" go--none." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it call you and give you the chance." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely