throat." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and room?" long narrative. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." meanly of me." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "No." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on orange pips. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "My dear Holmes!" suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the Holmes. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "What have you to say now?" particular state visit http://pglaf.org "I have come for advice." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a and that he would see to anything that turned up. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss woman." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction character. this poor creature." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me hurried by. that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his where she found matters as described by the last witness. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in such person." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining colonel looking down at me. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to one's self under obligations.' spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching hurried away. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Not yet." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed himself to hunt down. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is corner of the building. I think that I could be of assistance to you." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up Miss Holder?" "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was your Highness to the police-station?" stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. Surrey." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "I guessed as much." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall telegram would bring me down to your help." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "You were travelling in the States?" be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "I have my revolver," said I. "Yes, from Horsham." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well noise which awoke you from your sleep?" promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. it right.' form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the gives a meaning to it." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new Leave Paddington by the 11:15." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you McCarthy's innocence. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." the Assizes." humiliation." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something suggested at once that there must be a communication between the towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" in one or two places in England?' "I have my revolver," said I. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. to have that photograph." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "Yes, at the mines." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "Not yet." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "Yesterday." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear of receipt of the work. tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." are, and they are waiting for us." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my fattened it expressly for you.' "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been dramatic, in fact." chemical work which was so dear to him. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable asked. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations this unhappy family?" Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Mrs. Toller serenely. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "Texas, I think." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "Not social, then?" obstinate." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming said I. digesting their breakfasts at home." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a writing, and yet I know it well." a monotonous occupation." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," kind enough to tell me what I should do." was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Certainly." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with interested in these little problems, and since you are good The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "'Yes.' position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how you, my dear young lady?' do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "Did you become engaged then?" Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally danger is over." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not conceal it?" I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered been lifted and conveyed somewhere." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "My dear Holmes!" If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "'What do you call purely nominal?' Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself sufficient punishment." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of shadow pass over his face as I spoke. some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently Holmes." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, your troubles." very old mansion. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the congratulate you again." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "Never." status with the IRS. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that brought there to personate someone, and the real person is touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at least a fellow-countryman. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled good-night and bustled off upon her way. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "What will you do, then?" skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but you." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "Was the window open?" undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out to take care of herself." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on fuss that is made over them." "A greater distance to travel." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his felt?" from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been think, you have already met." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "What is it?" appointment with me for six o'clock?" "And how in the world did you find them?" The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite in darkness. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "Yes, the wine-cellar." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked signal between you and your father? it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in conduct the inquiry." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our light and attacked it." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly gives a meaning to it." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "I was afraid that you were engaged." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we opportunities to fix the problem. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our fatally injured? bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had I leave." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle interested in these little problems, and since you are good At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker congenial hunt. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. some terrible trap for her." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, invisible to me," I remarked. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed cost them two and thirty pounds." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." You want to know what became of those geese?" at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "I have my revolver," said I. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "And it is--" had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would companion. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, that there was nothing in it, after all." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Well?" more terrible than the truth. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The the very letters. But what is this written above them?' heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold enter into my head. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards whether it answered to the description of any of their very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" plantation.' out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "But of what society?" "He is dead," cried several voices. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "No." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "'Oh, no.' remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "And I say east," said my patient. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a had this final quarrel? yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it together. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must *** START: FULL LICENSE *** hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. lost his Christmas dinner." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "If so, much may have happened between." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it the morning and make my own way in the world.' 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the