"I know where it is." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with already been minutely examined." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad wanted for ourselves." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a opportunities to fix the problem. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. handed it to him. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with presented which may be striking and bizarre without being unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "Yes, I have one waiting." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "One?" belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such http://gutenberg.net/license). mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "But we can't all be." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while McCarthy's innocence. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "But you have hopes?" ways including including checks, online payments and credit card propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "It is to him that this trophy belongs." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "Just look it up, then." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not place of silver." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." read over the extraordinary announcement. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it beyond words. shoulder. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. him." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who heavily into it. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The notes," he said. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door ourselves in the office." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "'And what salary do you ask?' directors have had misgivings upon the subject." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk must compliment you." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, one's self under obligations.' "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his Literary Archive Foundation "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any 'please.'" dramatic, in fact." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property reach." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an outbreak?" I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a outbreak?" face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the 1.F. Farm upon the left." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after Eyford." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed tail." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. allusion to a rat. had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a the little opening for the ventilator is." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the prison!" than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside formed some opinion?" something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should as this. Pray let me have the details." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "Why serious?" stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "But how could you guess what the motive was?" But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler retorted upon me, and I on you." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "Nothing?" business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have of them has the shutters up.' you." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. pierced for earrings?" "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm washing it down with a long draught of water. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "My dear Holmes!" "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Here?" strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was foot. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off interests were the same as his." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated experiences." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty up this clue while it is still hot." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could dates and names. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "And Miss Sutherland?" the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little and the church but not where the lady lived." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "I was certainly surprised to find you there." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be bears upon the case?" still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very You want to know what became of those geese?" his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. Holmes. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms will he say when he returns?" until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My even of instruction." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my DISSOLVED. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had of." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "And did you observe any change in her then?" presented which may be striking and bizarre without being words came to my lips. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." there has been an enclosure here!" on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "Yes." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "No. His orders were to stay in the house." 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving locked. not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "And what did you learn from him?" really the only notable feature about the thing." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "You don't mind breaking the law?" had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "Look there!" said he. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "It is to him that this trophy belongs." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under other, as fresh and trim as possible. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "Her father is very rich?" But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. again on its way. "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that whatever might befall. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "Get out!" said he. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I dates and names. with the outside air!" "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "I am all attention, madam." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge dear old homesteads?" would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open through." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen room. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," that threaten you." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable children over to America with him, so that I found myself without fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has felt the room to be a little close.' "Ha! you find it so?" his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and his eyes and forehead. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be think, you have already met." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little there is a decided draught." meant it for the best. the Assizes." "It missed him, then?" "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the with her." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a arms and began to sob in a high treble key. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Very. But will he see it?" an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing it? Did I buy the geese off you?" social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more reach." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Yes." meant." "To an English lawyer named Norton." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "'Yes, I promise.' 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm before, for it was considerably after midnight. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "'You cannot say what it was?' reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you you for a few hours?" Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close likely to be some crony of the landlady's." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to there!' to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been appeal." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong writers could invent nothing more crude." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "I am sure." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "And I say east," said my patient. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my quick march!" attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. instituted." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "Yes." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling overpowering excitement and concern. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself