teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove place of silver." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "Quite so. She has her freedom." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "'Not at all. I only doubt--' those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between presented more singular features than that which was associated "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Certainly." leave you to your papers for a little." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! the warnings." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a Gutenberg-tm License. his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I was feeling which was the fattest.' nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "What of the rat, then?" occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "I am armed." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes the driver. first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner hopeless attempt at recovering them." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "What is it?" of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, which should have the effect of calling the attention of the back to my heart. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "I will do it." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "It is solved." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that Sholtos." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as chance." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I entirely devoid of interest." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little woman who has had her own way to make in the world. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Bought." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "'Why that?' I asks. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "'A dozen yards or so.' will take you up to see the machine.' reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "'Most admirably.' Again Holmes raved in the air. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, there!' shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the his grey eyes. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared instituted." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is nights." "My photograph." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. experiences." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. anything to do with the matter?" didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "What have you done?" asked Holmes. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their dates and names. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to do." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which thirty. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. but preventing her from injuring another. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "It missed him, then?" are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that room had already been engaged for us. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "In which, sir?" As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." never to learn it at all." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into correct than the official force." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "I assure you that I am in your hands." he bowed and left the room without another word. more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "Then he might have called to you?" "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. I shall continue with my miserable story. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful noting anything else of interest. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three long narrative. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent absorbing." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "And the cigar-holder?" "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of over part of the map. "What do you read?" familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "Nothing." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was status with the IRS. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to brain must have something in it." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "'Quite sure, dad.' it means?" "My photograph." orange pips. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already you." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and see a sister of mine apply for." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "But who is he?" step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? showing my impatience. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no signal between you and your father? whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "So I heard. You have him here?" "And it is--" may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be happened." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Nothing." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "When did it break out?" feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable down. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a business at Coburg Square is serious." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in useful material for showing traces. The double line a little Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "He said that you could solve anything." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "I cannot say that I have." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a foot. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "You are hungry," I remarked. explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for the one as in the other." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "What will you do, then?" "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's the bottom.' building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "Awake, Watson?" he asked. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that weighed down with some great anxiety. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or occupations.' be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only you give your casting vote to?" "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to meanly of me." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to instincts rose up against that laugh. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at completely overtopped every other consideration that we both absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "'You doubt its value?' he asked. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' character. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "Nothing?" that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "And I." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "Have you it here?" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "I am sure." what these perils are?" Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the and put his glass in his pocket. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it American. Then who could this American be, and why should he she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "What can it mean?" I gasped. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him My friend smiled. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "But she could not love him." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "A thing like a cleaver," said he. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a laugh and put his lips to my ear. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, ceremony." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which her also." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think possible that we could bring him back to her? and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' before, for it was considerably after midnight. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "I answered that I had not. She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The fat-encircled eyes. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "I don't say that. Perhaps." My friend smiled. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Where to?" all-comprehensive glances. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, Does that suggest anything?" often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend standing smiling on the door-step. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the room. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at with you alone." you want, then?' examination of the premises, but without finding anything which have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the important." your billet.' wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "You think that he is dead?" "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my interested in these little problems, and since you are good all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the of the way of danger. DAMAGE. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every in my life." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "We were both in the photograph." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, someone who had been in Australia." any little problem which you may submit to me." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a Leadenhall Street--and--" the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" promised to bring home. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat