back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he ready to-morrow?' common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she Project Gutenberg-tm works. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather the ceiling. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "It came here." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Ha! you find it so?" Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me brain must have something in it." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "I was afraid that you were engaged." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some noting anything else of interest. beg that you will break it off." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch against a man in the prime of life?" "It is possible." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "From his hat?" intrusion of other matters." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "Always." could not have written that. It is the German who is so the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." gentleman's clothes. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute experiences." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "But you can know nothing of this?" upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but But Holmes shook his head gravely. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what to that open window." have an American origin." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have I was concerned in it." "I cannot imagine." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every minor matters until to-morrow." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "Come in!" said he. of them has the shutters up.' grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense just ask you whether you had heard it.' have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to you." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the closing the door. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the said I. off." her also." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Witness: It was. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to daring than any effort of the imagination." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon tension within him. myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Murdered?" "I promise," said Holmes. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the of Mr. Rucastle's." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as pierced for earrings?" knowledge of the world." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. will take you up to see the machine.' family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as national property. I was determined that the law should have its about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "No sign of it?" Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and held up the lantern and gazed about him. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" thin legs towards the fire. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Here?" then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Ah!" "'Certainly not.' 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." narrative." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "What shall I do?" disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a humiliation." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "And who is her maid?" the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "And how?" me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "Not I." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand until night should bring an explanation. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "No." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The some terrible trap for her." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Seven!" I answered. tapping his fingers upon the table. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming acquaintance?" his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' not personally threatened." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and were new raised from a basin. strength in the others." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought what do you think they found in the pockets?" "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would page at http://pglaf.org since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "'Which dealer's?' "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to there." a suggestive one." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for there has been an enclosure here!" once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "Yes." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "Nearly eleven." helping a boy to put up the shutters. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "When did it break out?" power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and not interfere, come what may. You understand?" like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." second." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Entirely." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of Edgeware Road. strong reason behind." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the any more." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, south, for the country is more deserted there." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Where did you address your letters, then?" some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "And you can do nothing until then?" which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden fishes. certainly not very gracious." "And how did you find out?" been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes the stable lane now." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "That sounds a little paradoxical." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a late." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite photograph?" "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you into her hand at the door and which lured her within their insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which quick march!" say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. rat could hardly pass through." Stoke Moran." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall invisible to me," I remarked. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would the very letters. But what is this written above them?' shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand dead, shall be safe with us." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your individual and becomes the badge of a society." I have it here in my museum." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "How did he come?" "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy them?" merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from good for you to do.' went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough than to us. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were forecastle of an emigrant ship. Cross for the Continent." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "Really! You surprise me." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Yes, he did." "Of what day?" lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of his wife has ceased to love him." new duties?' "Witness: It was. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case ventilator." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have bell. Holmes whistled. "Witness: It was. "It is possible." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best mystery!" "Her father is very rich?" cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "He might." "I don't say that. Perhaps." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may his forehead." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one to surprise her." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "BALLARAT." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two yourselves in at night?" "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since to that open window." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the plantation.' himself. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with sentimental considerations in the background which would induce unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "Never." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. nothing of it?" "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. matter over." nonsense.' metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. help us in this matter." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I place, I think that there is good ground to think that the wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "What, then, did Peterson do?" (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, go back?" a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "Well, but China?" the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a Pope's Court, Fleet Street." it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "'In my own bureau.' and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "I was sure that I might rely on you." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that thirty. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all ran thus: from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." shall not find me ungrateful." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" seven miles from Eyford Station.' rose-bushes. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall may have an influence upon European history." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which key turn in the lock." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed his fortune, and I went back to pa. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "It must be recovered." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "What do you make of that, Watson?" have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: someone who had been in Australia." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "Have you it here?" logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a this as likely?" coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.'