but preventing her from injuring another. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and it with his own hands." "'Certainly,' I answered. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from think, you have already met." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" papers must be those that are destroyed.' towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which Eyford." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the for securing the situation." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen you." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the learned something! Where are the gems?" inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Did you become engaged then?" deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young was keenly on my guard against him. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "And it is--" The telegram which we eventually received came late one night gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" what do you think they found in the pockets?" 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. time." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a bonnet, and went out." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "What will you do, then?" he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he heavy and sharp instrument." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the threw himself down with his face to the pillow. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and affair. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Pray let us have it, for all that." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the keep the flames under. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "'Where to?' on re-entering her father's house?" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "And what did you see?" side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll generous with you in money matters.' said he. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical fattened it expressly for you.' over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far to tackle the facts." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way 11:15.' the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "I say it is." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella the King without delay." few hundred pounds.' "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A best detective that ever lived. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would could gather together that I was able to avert another public mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "No sign of it?" could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which the nursery. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant orange pips. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "How many? I don't know." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." highroad, where all traces were lost. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of Holmes' thin, eager face. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a whole matter to your consideration." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "Just look it up, then." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your remarked. "Game for a morning drive?" drove away. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have I nodded again. I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I article?" "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty strong and stiff." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock think, you have already met." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "No, but the enclosure is." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, not fit the lock." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "Why serious?" daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as locked." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat lost nothing by them." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was paper in the air. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is most important business. It is probable that he will be away all Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I may never be exposed to such a temptation." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. his face. the nursery. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New pound a week." manager. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or 1.F. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed do.' make me his representative both with the servants and with the promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, on re-entering her father's house?" find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "Yes, I have one waiting." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into plantation.' out." in a friendly supper." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "In what way?" asked Holmes. "And Irene Adler?" "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in not as remarkable as your advertisement." said he at last. "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." the little opening for the ventilator is." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to depend upon my doing so.' to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "Breckinridge is his name." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "I am to be neutral?" word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND you." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness one's self under obligations.' my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, gbnewby@pglaf.org suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "What is it?" suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be crime." "Murdered?" to-night." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several me." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. you." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, quick march!" about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their round with crates and massive boxes. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" straighten it?" papers." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were companion. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Oh, fresh and glossy." spark where all is dark to me." "Was your sister dressed?" still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" might have a private word with us. "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "The gentleman I describe." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought our word." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' it. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great jewels which you have stolen?' "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution call for protection in the marriage market, for the present the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful it." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "And is that all?" matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address dead, shall be safe with us." that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was along the entire front of the house, with three long windows questionable one." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to opportunities to fix the problem. perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the Leadenhall Street--and--" "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get wedding?" "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." The summons was a brief and urgent one. Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Yes." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I room?" me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to note?" have an American origin." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. sofa. This way, please!" bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" Literary Archive Foundation adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The of receipt of the work. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" least a most suspicious remark." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be about here speaks of his kindness to him." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "What can you not understand?" "Yes." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "We have tried and failed." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his questioning and rather startled gaze. of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were it? Did I buy the geese off you?" could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room that I can to serve you." "How about poison?" presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of taking in every detail of the apartment. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts whole matter to your consideration." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing it." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "'Ample.' pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "It surprised me." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Not yet." you, my dear young lady?' To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard The King stared at him in amazement. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from that I may have something better before very many minutes are Street. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and touch that coronet?' that, and I came down." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a may never be exposed to such a temptation." drawing your inferences." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for speckled band?" "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." guilty parties." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the lamp. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study several quiet little villages up there." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "You have it, sir, just as it happened." some terrible trap for her." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the hurried by. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. one of them." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a here and I will read it to you: Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' that I can to serve you." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK than was visible to me." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "'You doubt its value?' he asked. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I affair. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and had picked up in the wood. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "One of his hands." prison!" "To ruin me." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" persecution?" patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker confronted him. details." "I know where it is." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which