is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age of." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "To ruin me." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make in this way: visitors." derbies." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "I cannot tell." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that it." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with of the vacancies.' manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "It is very clear." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business heavily into it. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "Yes." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. appeal." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with burst into a hearty fit of laughter. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could just ask you whether you had heard it.' again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered Have you good authority for what you say?" took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "About a month then." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. man. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "But his lameness?" future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "I never have." Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." felt?" It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united again on its way. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a is four-and-twenty." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you at home. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. what I may call a really hard day's work." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." you in yours." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "'Yes, I promise.' caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in vanished into the darkness. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the round and wave him away like that.' to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "None." seven miles from Eyford Station.' "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged opened a pocket-book and took out a note. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was Holmes rather sternly. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "It goes to the housekeeper's room." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent overpowering excitement and concern. round with crates and massive boxes. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working to where he stood hid behind the curtain. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler populous neighbourhood." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "I should like to see him very much." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from who was a member of your goose club." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though hopeless attempt at recovering them." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "She will not sell." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I Arthur Conan Doyle it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Come in!" said he. said he. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's you found me to-night--and running through the front room she tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "To the police?" Holmes' room. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this were unconscious?" was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of matter." "I was mad--insane." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." his cane at the bell-pull. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "Nearly eleven." and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. answer." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed what do you think they found in the pockets?" "'Yes.' stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "It is possible." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no and inquire as to the address." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "So I heard. You have him here?" hand, madam?" Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock call you and give you the chance." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set trying to your nerves." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to to change my dress. do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" and files of the old papers, following the future career of every and inquire as to the address." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, against a man in the prime of life?" we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, washing it down with a long draught of water. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "But how?" affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by I leave." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of views." married her." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw down in his armchair and closing his eyes. drawing your inferences." ordinary clothes on?" her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "Where to?" memory. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Seven!" I answered. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk I held the little printed slip to the light. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "But she will refuse." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "This photograph!" and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would such attractions and accomplishments?' Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "But who is he?" you." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "'I shall certainly be there.' of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "BALLARAT." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "A thing like a cleaver," said he. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious who was a member of your goose club." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "Never to return." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Ha! you find it so?" "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others strength of mind to control. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her acquaintance?" retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our already referred to. at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his bird I ate is country bred." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just you?" his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Imitated." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Yes, but only for you and me." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." little trying to do so much typewriting?" your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not himself. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern future lives." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "It must be recovered." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some when you have done it." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "What will you do, then?" cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Why? What do you mean?" them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Entirely." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "I guessed as much." "You were travelling in the States?" of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. window when the police appeared." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was letters?" "Then, how do you know?" enough to aid us in our search." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the gives a meaning to it." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." to Leatherhead. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come Eyford at 11:15.' I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the behind me. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far drawing your inferences." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness pound a week." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, to go into your room and bar your shutters?" why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "But his left-handedness." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's carriage. It was a chestnut." bare slabs of marble. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she fishes. "I never have." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders only touch the interest." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four fasten all the windows?" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be of note-paper. It read in this fashion: didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "I was mad--insane." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "At what time?" Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "That's no good." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "It is true that I have been generally successful." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." as noiselessly as she had come. gone. and the whole place is in a blaze." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "And the murderer?" me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Yes." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards