"A thing like a cleaver," said he. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his was a lad." bonnet, and went out." thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped his knees, staring into the fire. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it my room." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his wedding?" burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included that?' 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Not particularly." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Not yet." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple three fields round his house, and there he would take his of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made my former friend and companion. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which unclasping of his long thin hands. threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" to some other building. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of The note was undated, and without either signature or address. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have daring than any effort of the imagination." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "None." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his of note-paper. It read in this fashion: the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "No?" wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each Holmes." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on Does that suggest anything?" drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' intrusion of other matters." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some putting in the horse. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the to have been novel and of interest." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy happened." signal between you and your father? only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. 1.F. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "You have the photograph?" however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' name is different." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without in your London, you will know that the office of the company is at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great redistribution. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while considering the formidable letters which were received by himself faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "I am about to be married." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour best detective that ever lived. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went three of the beryls in it, was missing. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" province." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were think you a quite exceptional woman." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than is entirely a question of barometric pressure." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "'Which dealer's?' has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet me have 200 pounds?' "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the had no one to advise her at such a crisis." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for you found me to-night--and running through the front room she police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it case before our client came into the room." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is if only as a check to my own memory." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "'I am sure that I do not know.' "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a joking. "'Yes, I promise.' society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Pray let us have it, for all that." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Yes, at the mines." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of your equipment. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you leave you to your papers for a little." papers diligently of late, have you not?" that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "May I see it?" "You have compromised yourself seriously." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was have one." system of imprisonment?" roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late enough to aid us in our search." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. the date of his supposed suicide." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "Well, but China?" had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the Have you good authority for what you say?" to talk it over. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" strength." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be new duties?' showing my impatience. dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of if only as a check to my own memory." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "Was the window open?" compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "How did you trace it, then?" darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am could not account in any way for the presence of the missing purpose of examination. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most outbreak?" familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, forecastle of an emigrant ship. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "It is his hat." "The King of Scandinavia." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "My dear Holmes!" "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and lips." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "'Most admirably.' Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father standing smiling on the door-step. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "You heard nothing yourself last night?" unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled status with the IRS. appeal." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "And how did you find out?" are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper the stones. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "Stoke Moran?" said he. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She shall not find me ungrateful." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was shaken than I had ever seen him. and that he would see to anything that turned up. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "Where, indeed?" admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those me have 200 pounds?' fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you recall any case within my experience which looked at the first some city in a dream. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might go back?" "I came to find a friend." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which than was visible to me." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Do you know him?" awkward doing business with an alias." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. very morning of my second wedding." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Seven!" I answered. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "'What, the red-headed man?' "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "No, but the enclosure is." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "No." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in it were putty." key of the affair now." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and quickly through a disagreeable task. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each note?" method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at the side-table." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "Pray tell us what has happened to you." like gravel from a pit.' Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of knowledge of the world." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "'I am sure that I do not know.' refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." breakfast." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, matter." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The *** START: FULL LICENSE *** door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "You think that he is dead?" "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "It looks newer than the other things?" are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient kind enough to tell me what I should do." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that do.' Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "A confidential servant?" follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and placed his cuttings. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Nothing?" finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. bled considerably." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." interests were the same as his." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of hard-headed British jury." "And Irene Adler?" so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "Proceed, then." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of certainly not very gracious." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "10th. John Swain cleared. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever thought that she would have been so carried away." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "Nothing?" Dr. Gregory B. Newby it." said I. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "'I am sure if I had known--' firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out redistribution. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?"