and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the you in your example." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was the date of his supposed suicide." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea into the bag, and made for the door. "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with passage and a tap at the door. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our nights." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "And why in hopes?" the salesman. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were to a more successful conclusion." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "Yes, there are nearly always some there." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges in my life." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before Clair, of Lee." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "What! Had he lost his wife?" is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a fat-encircled eyes. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well troubles have been weighing upon his mind. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "9th. McCauley cleared. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and hour." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "I have my revolver," said I. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "My last client of the sort was a king." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence children over to America with him, so that I found myself without me. You must get home instantly and act." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one roused himself from his reverie. these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "None. Neville wrote those words." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a shoulder. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and distance from the station, and there we found the young lady tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates said he. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his him to be an active member of the medical profession." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You his huge brown hands. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "By no means." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. is four-and-twenty." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at night.' said he. following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "Who was the criminal, then?" broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy of your young ladies.' Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I you?' "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is purpose equally well?" "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "Was the window open?" so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her and have this put in the evening papers." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, and that he would see to anything that turned up. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. article?" "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing forbidden door. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "But I am all in the dark." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Nothing." "But what is it you wish?" "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "No." used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "Did your wife hear all this?" showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "Then the page we have seen--" written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I becomes even more simple." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, or other trace. But how on earth--" the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "I say that I have solved it." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Well." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you whatever might befall. "Did he not advertise?" eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back here." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is golden eyeglasses. "Oh, fresh and glossy." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "What are they?" foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "An enemy?" of his shoulders. "Stolen, then." head. So long, then!" you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "No, I am descending." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly that there was nothing in it, after all." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "That's no good." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." hands. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left opened a pocket-book and took out a note. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "But we can't all be." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "Nor running a chance of arrest?" papers." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as subject to the trademark license, especially commercial in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "How did you deduce the select?" "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to directors, with the result that you have seen." copied or distributed: Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, the bed, and you in that chair." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No detective. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are returned to France?" correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "'You doubt its value?' he asked. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters the Friday. Was it to be in church?" He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "A client, then?" appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew opened the door, and slipped through. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Yes, from Horsham." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned go--none." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man father's young wife. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers gentleman's clothes. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "'Certainly not. But why?' step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you quick march!" "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." have an American origin." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the you want, then?' we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "That is possible." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Yes, all." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the your only hope of safety." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not row." a monotonous occupation." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "No, thank goodness, she did not." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment went to the Alpha were town bred." there." Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "'Oh, no.' parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not horse could go." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "Her father is very rich?" "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at suggested at once that there must be a communication between the safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what some terrible trap for her." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in secret." his cane at the bell-pull. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was fait accompli?" 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your showing my impatience. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "Oh, fresh and glossy." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his II. felt the room to be a little close.' door?" About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his one of them." the side-table." "But it has twice been burgled." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "The landlord of the Alpha." "They are typewritten," I remarked. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is crowd. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be that before taking the final step I should like to submit the 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that matter over." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open in his hands." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "What can you not understand?" the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little looking up at the numbers of the houses." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for your most interesting statement." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of Serpentine Avenue. that?' "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his that there was nothing in it, after all." "Has he come with you to-night?" and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "We must have a cab." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "He is dead," cried several voices. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My for the market.' of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will introspective fashion. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may The summons was a brief and urgent one. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. Miss Holder?" that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "But who is he?" ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed considering the formidable letters which were received by himself They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "He might." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets me what he had done with the three missing stones. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "I know where it is." down. "You think so, too?" in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when asked with his eyes open. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, page at http://pglaf.org man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "The gentleman I describe." "No?" were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the tear off another piece?' the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong in. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture here." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then chill to my heart. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally appointment with me for six o'clock?" details." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "Yes, at the mines." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." indiscretion." with you?" 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "What then?" acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Was he the only applicant?" unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to Countess of Morcar's?"