Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys my secret was safe in his possession. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "May I see it?" signal between you and your father? but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some This is what he says: every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "No more words. Get out!" without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' His smile broadened. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, that I can to serve you." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a it with his own hands." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "But of what society?" the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may nights." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he sentimental considerations in the background which would induce the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Yes." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you about. the matter?" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are key of the affair now." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, knowledge of the world." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and ashen face. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he again on its way. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "'I have heard so.' shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "The best possible." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "It is a murder, then?" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "'Yes, it was gone.' hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar the Red-headed League." used to be." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "She walked into the breakfast-room." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "'And the work?' was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is leaning back in his chair. little adventures." "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and developed." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent man. I know him from the photograph." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "But his lameness?" with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to IS pound a week." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "And help." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "It was a confession," I ejaculated. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can read over the extraordinary announcement. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End it." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt instincts rose up against that laugh. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had the roots. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and to you." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "Then you may be so with me." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "I was certainly surprised to find you there." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary case before our client came into the room." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "What do you make of that, Watson?" "'Yes, sir.' for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the cause to be." how narrow had been my escape. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my in his power. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "In which, sir?" appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I morning." know that the truth is known." ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. said he. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "'What do you call purely nominal?' who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through stood on the top of it. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous people don't know." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Yes." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the affair. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the fattened it expressly for you.' reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, secret." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "What then?" I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were better in every way that they should make their position a little James Windibank. Voilà tout!" visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose she used." you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in weary and pale-looking. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Nearly eleven." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he you?" beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the DAMAGE. details." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "Perfectly so." possible that we could bring him back to her? note?" river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "At what time?" and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in there is a decided draught." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Did you observe the colour?" would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police must compliment you." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know Cross for the Continent." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." and put his glass in his pocket. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "He might." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to way in everything. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "One?" idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "At what time?" "'Is 4 pounds a week.' fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and could gather together that I was able to avert another public have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, meant it for the best. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to derbies." upon the shelf for the interim." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which until night should bring an explanation. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through have not had my rubber." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the did not hear it also.' Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "No sign of it?" about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! to a light-house. of the one which your family is now devouring." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "Pray let us have it, for all that." through." at home. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one her also." "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, over part of the map. "What do you read?" "Oh, yes, easily." suspect him." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the advice." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that at home. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing open." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and criminal. We have already had experience of such." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall get the tickets." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began strength." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was not as remarkable as your advertisement." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if he died? Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between page at http://pglaf.org were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "My dear Holmes!" young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is of the one which your family is now devouring." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I be. your room." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just of note-paper. It read in this fashion: The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an him and tried to hold him back. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and you." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an it." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "How did you trace it, then?" hardly wander." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the papers must be those that are destroyed.' him. would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further happened." them present such singular features as the strange train of outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "Of what?" Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong will he say when he returns?" There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us infinite languor in his face. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid in a friendly supper." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a astonishment. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant her also." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man the morning and make my own way in the world.' Clair, of Lee." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled away into the river." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "I cannot as yet see any connection." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as attention." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "Pray do so." amused." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. about here speaks of his kindness to him." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; situation." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "Well, but China?" were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's The summons was a brief and urgent one. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of could not account in any way for the presence of the missing observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right empty. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "Because he was handy and would come cheap." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime not interfere, come what may. You understand?" police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman