states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "It is his hat." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his confronted him. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "'What are you doing there?' he asked. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and photograph?" "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "How are you getting on?" in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. him to be an active member of the medical profession." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "Well, but China?" McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from you in yours." companion. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "Who by?" enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Was there a secret marriage?" his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "I cannot as yet see any connection." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "'Why that?' I asks. "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "You have it, sir, just as it happened." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "'Quite sure, dad.' must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his kindly on the shoulder. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Yesterday." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "Why did you beat the pavement?" broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "Just look it up, then." me upon any point which I do not make clear." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "'And the work?' "Entirely." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "But we can't all be." one else, I think." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman meant." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "How do you know, then?" would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER whatever might befall. "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish cigars in their mouths. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for cup of tea. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the more terrible than the truth. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "I say that I have solved it." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "That is not always so easy." "Was he the only applicant?" seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural DISSOLVED. fattened it expressly for you.' leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from very morning of my second wedding." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, think that any burglar could have done. again before evening." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in room?" a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other three of the beryls in it, was missing. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "No, I think that I'll take it." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to it means?" what do you think they found in the pockets?" clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are locked." grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done without a word or a look. few hundred pounds.' would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third and have this put in the evening papers." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a colour had been driven from his face. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be me. "We were both in the photograph." hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money the south-west, I see." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the views." tear off another piece?' of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "It looks newer than the other things?" precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. my friend's incisive reasoning. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very status with the IRS. of campaign. clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding read it out to me." "Pray do so." For additional contact information: Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "Was your sister dressed?" "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "Holmes, the busybody!" "Pray do so." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "This concluded the examination of the witness." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone spare." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my married her." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Yes, the wine-cellar." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to ago." locked. less than 26s. 4d. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "You are certainly joking, Holmes." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "What is it, then--a fire?" whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to quick march!" "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his look upon these things in a different way." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "'What, the red-headed man?' and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "Yes." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my straightened it out again. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Because he was handy and would come cheap." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by what I may call a really hard day's work." had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his think you a quite exceptional woman." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I where she found matters as described by the last witness. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down problems help me to do so." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might returned to France?" the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was For additional contact information: 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Texas, I think." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with hands. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for views." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson stood on the top of it. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I despaired of." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He mysterious business." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she his face which made him a very different person to the round, you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of someone who had been in Australia." helping a boy to put up the shutters. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "'How far from the body?' petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he likely to be some crony of the landlady's." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "But your client--" served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "Certainly." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind with the outside air!" "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose anything to a woman, for she would have her way." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make October 9, 1890. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, floor. pressing in one house as in another. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. developed." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but head. So long, then!" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting did not hear it also.' face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill that you can jump it.' the King without delay." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two again." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of to some other building. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him side. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the Miss Holder?" really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have empty. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended of Mr. Rucastle's." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "But what is it you wish?" leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "I have come for advice." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Absolutely?" importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove excitement. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud you came in." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Quite so. She has her freedom." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how your equipment. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard Heh?' Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' to arrive at through this?" "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "Nothing." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Pray be precise as to details," said he. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all secret." "What then?" have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by begun to whiten, even as mine has." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "On your arm?" prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "That is possible." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the memory. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged what these perils are?" railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "But his left-handedness." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened lumber-room." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father introspective fashion. thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide