going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to tell me that you intended to go into harness." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive politicians who had been sent down from the North. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "It looks newer than the other things?" have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' daring than any effort of the imagination." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you you." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and call for it in person on Monday morning.' made him keep the appointment." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a The telegram which we eventually received came late one night paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I my former friend and companion. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, train from Paddington which would bring you there at about have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "But his left-handedness." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the security.' to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. had a long day." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated arrested. You then--" was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should fact, we may call it conclusive." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "Oh, fresh and glossy." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my the so-precious time, but come!' events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his himself to tell his story. as he remarks, very much against the son." "'As governess?' friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the Lestrade of Scotland Yard." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to sparkled upon his finger. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and him nearly every evening." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "On Monday." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "But she could not love him." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "No." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "What, then?" instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing ill-usage at the hands of fortune. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be province." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had records." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would noble correspondent could be. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. address. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "10th. John Swain cleared. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "'Yes, sir.' examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "I cannot say that I have." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded what these perils are?" in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. way in everything. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these golden eyeglasses. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "What then?" away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the points in connection with it which never have been, and probably and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "It is possible." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm roused himself from his reverie. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Always." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." at once, for I have only half an hour." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "You did not overhear what they said?" absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the what is your own theory as to what took place?" without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "And why?" "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Yes." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer occurred." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking the morning and make my own way in the world.' He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the were unconscious?" across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been is a common subject for conversation. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have ago." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to lost his Christmas dinner." Lee, in the county of Kent." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place your equipment. was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." was a perfect sample of the class. upon the white wrist. "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before must be when I saw the door open.' fluttered off among the others. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "But you would not advise me to refuse?" It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran feature." is now desirous of getting those letters back." "I fear not." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "But his lameness?" is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest threw himself down with his face to the pillow. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far brandy and water within his reach. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good tail." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, likely to be some crony of the landlady's." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "But she will refuse." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my place no limit on the sum I may draw." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Yes." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "Quite so." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a your most interesting statement." States. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are companion imperturbably. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from infinite languor in his face. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "9th. McCauley cleared. "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two despaired of." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been bears upon the case?" during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child with frightened eyes at his accuser. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "Was she in good spirits?" You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the help us in this matter." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which events, Mr. Windibank!" might have a private word with us. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not a suggestive one." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a me where it went to?" scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "Where, indeed?" I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it chemical work which was so dear to him. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "What then?" used to be." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I foresight and the moral retrogression?" case before our client came into the room." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save with her." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read bird I ate is country bred." "My own seal." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was were wasted." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is back to my heart. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might carried out of court." "Ample." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "Did your wife hear all this?" spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Pray do so." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. there has been an enclosure here!" Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the which our visitor detailed to us. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all was a lad." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the answer." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll out." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "At half-wages, in fact." "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "There is the writing." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative made his money." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "By no means." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Do you know him?" "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Look there!" said he. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard shoulder. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the guilty parties." the little opening for the ventilator is." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it them present such singular features as the strange train of cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, ran thus: "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "None." cigars in the box." looking up at the numbers of the houses." "And it is--" locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort voice, changing her seat as requested. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones astonishment. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "But how will you look?" returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "That is easily got." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger depend upon your compliance." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "Quite so. She has her freedom." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "Pray be precise as to details," said he. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen as he folded up the epistle. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "VIOLET HUNTER." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My garden below. "In San Francisco, a year ago." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off of." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. her also." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "How often?" set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as business." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND some water from a caraffe. "Yes." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely village inn over there?" his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "No bad?" "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you go from here to the Strand." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular