1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied tell him that I know him to be innocent." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." Arthur Conan Doyle go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "What is it?" stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. the coronet in his hand?" the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it hour?' eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but did not hear it also.' looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them that I may have something better before very many minutes are her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as invisible to me," I remarked. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while singular points about the case. What did the police think of the shall use the carriage to-night." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "I cannot imagine." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been never will be, entirely cleared up. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "But she could not love him." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "My stepfather's business papers." three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. little trying to do so much typewriting?" noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in experiences." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the meant." "I promise," said Holmes. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their know what is wrong with it.' breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, tassel actually lying upon the pillow. feature." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his them?" it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I answered with a sidelong glance. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Witness: I must still refuse. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "You have carte blanche." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. Eyford at 11:15.' if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that morning." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of prepare for the new role I have to play." your equipment. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly down in his armchair and closing his eyes. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and will he say when he returns?" 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "Eh? What was that?" at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to putting in the horse. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it your troubles." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "'Certainly not. But why?' and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort started for the Temple to see my husband. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "And when will you call?" "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "Well, but China?" be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." go back?" snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Oh, the cause is excellent!" rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At relief. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were the Red-headed League." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Who was the criminal, then?" these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His to where he stood hid behind the curtain. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I away in different directions, and I went off to make my own laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the that I may have something better before very many minutes are dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended delighted to hear it," he said. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "In San Francisco, a year ago." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "'As governess?' "A confidential servant?" stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left purpose of examination. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white carried out of court." appeared upon the scene." come either from the window or the door. My attention was then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was whatever might befall. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "But I am all in the dark." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She remarked. Dr. Gregory B. Newby "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "What then?" of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "'You doubt its value?' he asked. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "He is dead," cried several voices. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man the Friday. Was it to be in church?" As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle as he folded up the epistle. along the entire front of the house, with three long windows that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "Ample." "I am armed." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "Yes." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to to affect your life." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "Pray continue your narrative." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every from you?" abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. might have a private word with us. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "Yes, at the mines." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be habit of advancing money.' threw himself down with his face to the pillow. Cross for the Continent." money should be paid at once.' "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a were wasted." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that not personally threatened." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course himself to hunt down. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in know that the truth is known." "'Where could I find him?' paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. went to the Alpha were town bred." and that he would see to anything that turned up. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "They are typewritten," I remarked. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "Quite so." "By no means." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. writer." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting appointment with me for six o'clock?" acted in my house last night?" "Not I." "It's nothing of the kind." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' that before taking the final step I should like to submit the villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have more terrible than the truth. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 as he remarks, very much against the son." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "It is half-past ten now." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly that I can to serve you." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and will he say when he returns?" the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. highroad, where all traces were lost. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. system of imprisonment?" the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has unclasping of his long thin hands. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" behind me. "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a be.' will he say when he returns?" McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my him to be an active member of the medical profession." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If the Red-headed League." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began way in." "She will not sell." closing the door. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and morning." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been handed it to him. neither fascinating nor artistic." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the way in." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "The King of Scandinavia." gone. the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, spare." "'Certainly,' I answered. Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "Ten will be early enough." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for vanished into the darkness. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of be there in time for your coming." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "You have it, sir, just as it happened." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "My private note-paper." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call how narrow had been my escape. left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "And now?" I asked. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "How did that help you?" young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever place, I think that there is good ground to think that the sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your your sleep?' "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid breakfast?" fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot spare." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he lids now and glanced across at his visitor. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "At half-wages, in fact." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta."