it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." or other trace. But how on earth--" skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look Does that suggest anything?" Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. read over the extraordinary announcement. "Of Friday, June 19th." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "You were travelling in the States?" "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "What steps will you take?" I asked. it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "Awake, Watson?" he asked. suspect him." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "It may not come to that," said Holmes. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "No, my brougham is waiting." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Get out!" said he. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the girl said." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front fuss that is made over them." "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you was used.' intrusion of other matters." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that residence of the great financier. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the main points of my analysis." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "Yes." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." father's place of business?" chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell said he. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "My stepfather's business papers." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which side. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see had this final quarrel? Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the back into the street. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "Come in!" said Holmes. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. and have this put in the evening papers." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is IS kindly on the shoulder. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in easy-going way." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made business." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms corner of the building. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a in the dead of the night?' pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted this man was intellectual?" that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as vault. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "But I have heard all that you have heard." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" the inquest, and which are worth considering." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "'Where to?' sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see companion. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Was she in good spirits?" impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! Holmes. he bowed and left the room without another word. "You horrify me." client, rising. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you most interesting one." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "But the mystery?" snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." of the vacancies.' "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "I never have." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "An accident, I presume?" deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was chamber." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "This photograph!" jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has sufficient punishment." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Which surely he restored to their owner?" to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "Then I do not see the point." for the market.' "Yes, sir." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" politicians who had been sent down from the North. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the my former friend and companion. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had peculiar to him. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good was lame." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "At half-wages, in fact." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "Proceed, then." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "It is no ordinary one." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by laugh and put his lips to my ear. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was few hundred pounds.' cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock examine." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward a room. wedding?" covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room coroner's jury." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could which our visitor detailed to us. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, take the flies, but not before." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can quickly through a disagreeable task. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that highly," said Holmes. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was to-night's adventure." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the three of the beryls in it, was missing. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me it." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would from the brougham. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was promised to bring home. it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away again before evening." the tragedy. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished the loss of it. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "Why, what do you mean?" post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than spark where all is dark to me." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be from the brougham. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood the one as in the other." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" the window, rose as we entered. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Where is it, then?" meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once the running down." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! subject to the trademark license, especially commercial chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "I don't say that. Perhaps." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's your co-operation." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give hard-headed British jury." formed some opinion?" the general public were present, then?" diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon girl said." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had went to the Alpha were town bred." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and already been minutely examined." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "And is that all?" We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible trying to your nerves." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable better grown goose." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the said he, "my real name is James Ryder." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman in him." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without will he say when he returns?" idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad handed it to him. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "'Where to?' all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "No." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "But the mystery?" "Yes, only one." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by my room." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner interest. They are important, you understand, without being pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. orange pips. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "She will not sell." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the made him keep the appointment." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at foot. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads never will be, entirely cleared up. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "Not him." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." memory. "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a instituted." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' for its centre. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the your sleep?' of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular a very grave face. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Yes, it was twisted." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that subject to the trademark license, especially commercial lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to comes from the middle window." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR opened the door, and slipped through. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge she might be summoned. 11:15.' villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "You have a clue?" "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake know all about it," he snarled. "In San Francisco, a year ago." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "You horrify me." maid will bring up your coffee." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment stalked out of the room. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "Witness: I must still refuse. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps few hundred pounds.' There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them me. You must get home instantly and act." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building as he folded up the epistle. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did dear old homesteads?" grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the at my remark. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and remarked. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest danger is over." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived."