case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Never." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "But his left-handedness." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her notes," he said. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there who was a member of your goose club." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "And you thought he was pulled back?" astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "You think so, too?" disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Well, it is a possible supposition." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other fasten all the windows?" "But what harm can there be in that?" her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for papers diligently of late, have you not?" figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When locked. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping read it out to me." secret." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point bill, which interests me deeply." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two to change my dress. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "I have seen the police." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached of the efforts of the United States government and of the better This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Now, then, what's the last entry?" which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small a little more before I quite committed myself. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for bearing upon the case." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the during which he might have communicated with his friend the light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be he bowed and left the room without another word. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of written. where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, to arrive at through this?" all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place question you as to those details which seem to me to be most something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "It is a murder, then?" thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "No bad?" out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but visitors." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "Quite so. She has her freedom." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "It is his hat." me. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Yes." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He horse could go." murdered man." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, room?" long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, be there in time for your coming." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" question. abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Why did you beat the pavement?" (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "If so, much may have happened between." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "The doctor?" "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them thought that she would have been so carried away." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. situation." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely constraint." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project digesting their breakfasts at home." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their unclasping of his long thin hands. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole Heh?' and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in business." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "And how did you find out?" "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "Quite so. She has her freedom." already been minutely examined." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. your most interesting statement." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some the ceiling. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "Not particularly." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we and inquire as to the address." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One drawing your inferences." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, room. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction business matters.' may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a the stones. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting closing the door. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "You know me, then?" product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall in my life." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the your co-operation." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation gentleman's clothes. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other overpowering excitement and concern. "Then how many are there?" permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Have you it here?" and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "'About the same.' fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "But she will refuse." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main correct than the official force." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort was a lad." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the your co-operation." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, corner of the building. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I and all of them with the keenest interest. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and comes from the middle window." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has fear." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "But she could not love him." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I better grown goose." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "And you thought he was pulled back?" "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "Not in the least." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. looking up at the numbers of the houses." "And help." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Breckinridge is his name." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs desk. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were heavy and sharp instrument." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from out of this horrible affair." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as 'please.'" waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am on re-entering her father's house?" instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the photograph?" hereditary King of Bohemia." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, remarked. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, comes from the middle window." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I and inquire as to the address." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "You have the photograph?" were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised and capable of preserving a secret.' "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. you understand?" However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "And why in hopes?" with you?" "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot was feeling which was the fattest.' "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy Miss Holder?" address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "I cannot as yet see any connection." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a there in twenty minutes." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Well, some hundreds of times." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "I cannot tell." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "'Quite sure, dad.' returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Of Friday, June 19th." "'Yes, sir.' and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "By no means." "And from a noble client?" that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. me. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." cigar and let me expound." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. man. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "Precisely." "You are all wrong." should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were neither fascinating nor artistic." "Really! You surprise me." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." that?' THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE flock.' observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at hurried by. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "Texas, I think." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "And why?" "How often?" grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "Married! When?" "'Yes.' My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr.