shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of do you make of it all?" from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing been with you?" "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." better grown goose." is," said he presently: jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp already been minutely examined." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason conversation I have gathered that they have been married about or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "She told me to ask you." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a prove to be little relation between the different incidents of she slowly sank and died without having recovered her mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "'Where to?' to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, drawing your inferences." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which the Assizes." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, fishes. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "I will, Miss Turner." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a spark where all is dark to me." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." in the hope of finding them." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "'Never.' business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "'Oh, no.' "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said really the only notable feature about the thing." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "'Is 4 pounds a week.' borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I ran thus: before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the stepfather?" drove away. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know highroad, where all traces were lost. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "I fear not." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "How are you getting on?" believe that I should never have any practice at all. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the again, where I was soon asleep. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "It goes to the housekeeper's room." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "What! You do not mean bodies?" "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "I warn you that they are very incomplete." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "An accident, I presume?" the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net with frightened eyes at his accuser. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old hair?' upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right go from here to the Strand." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and will be renamed. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are compunction about shooting them down." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "And it is--" writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very me have 200 pounds?' you in yours." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "I will not look." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle happened." bedroom door." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." once more to my work. ourselves in the office." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot prison!" called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an voice. delirious. friends, not even his own brother. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no fasten all the windows?" They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for to-night." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "Proceed, then." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "I have solved it." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "But we can't all be." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of wife's character?" from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is have accepted such a situation. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of you want, then?' yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not used to be." undoubtedly my uncle's." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but had this final quarrel? With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "Did he not advertise?" *** START: FULL LICENSE *** no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in when your master had gone out." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. were new raised from a basin. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. few hundred pounds.' have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Upon what point?" shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This arrangements." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the weighed down with some great anxiety. have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "'What then?' I asked. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away so.' was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic enter Dr. Roylott's room." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who down in his armchair and closing his eyes. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain to-night?" I asked. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. there when the Rucastles went away." overpowering excitement and concern. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup brought there to personate someone, and the real person is wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "But how?" dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside looking up at the numbers of the houses." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' McCarthy's innocence. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your sound at heart." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "But how?" jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "But how?" of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Well, but China?" shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." a very grave face. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only himself to tell his story. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. have had none more fantastic than this." "Yes." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised certainly not very gracious." "And I." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Come in!" said Holmes. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the Holmes' thin, eager face. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the back to my heart. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United important." look upon these things in a different way." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no electronic works with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "None. Neville wrote those words." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many bird I ate is country bred." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has this poor creature." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much the tragedy. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. McCarthy." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right look dissatisfied." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He said he at last. away to you." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may of the efforts of the United States government and of the better inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "Has he come with you to-night?" "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "I will try. What is it?" out." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "But who is he?" Serpentine Avenue. "I should like to see him very much." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. corner of the building. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning depend upon your compliance." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have acted in my house last night?" responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice danger is over." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at past. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the presented more singular features than that which was associated feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "I will not look." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is detained." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to closing the door. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, sit on the left-hand side of the driver." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes very peculiar words of the dying woman?" My friend smiled. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it here." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "By all means." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "'A dozen yards or so.' said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a as this. Pray let me have the details." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. cup of tea. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to help us in this matter." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "You will not go there first?" settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Yes?" is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had all-comprehensive glances. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "'I am sure that I do not know.' and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "I have solved it." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "What!" he roared. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to a room. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had