everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "'Most admirably.' drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself cheerful." "In San Francisco, a year ago." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From some mystery and the punishment of some crime." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "He said too much." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." chemical work which was so dear to him. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Then I do not see the point." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his Stoke Moran." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take meant." Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "Certainly." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "But you would not advise me to refuse?" said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "I saw her in conversation with her maid." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how Pool. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and opportunities to fix the problem. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my present." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "Was there a secret marriage?" "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint father's place of business?" "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can the inner apartment." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon returned to France?" had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste II. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing were new raised from a basin. bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly these bleak autumnal evenings." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems there when the Rucastles went away." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You third from London." "It is possible." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "Why did you pick him?" to you." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who views." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into with some details as to your case." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the ordinary clothes on?" successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across Pool. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his following enigmatical notices: And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom writers could invent nothing more crude." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "May I see it?" very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in in your London, you will know that the office of the company is possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story beyond words. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage know what is wrong with it.' business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria to a light-house. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is wedding?" closely." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "That also I could fathom." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in could not account in any way for the presence of the missing of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "Upon what point?" down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the during that time.' fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your of note-paper. It read in this fashion: breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "And from a noble client?" therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "Stoke Moran?" said he. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he eavesdroppers?' fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "None." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and bears upon the case?" have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "Why, it's a dummy," said he. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my results." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out gentleman's clothes. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "I say it is." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "And leave your case unfinished?" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and be.' have had none more fantastic than this." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "'What do you call purely nominal?' said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to that you wished to speak to me?' I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "In heaven's name, what for?" of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client where we are going." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "You have but to name it." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to bore every mark of being an average commonplace British I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "I was mad--insane." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "The Coroner: What do you mean? Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and you want, then?' "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that think that he is innocent?" with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "It was." morning." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper this truth that in these little records of our cases which you little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man bird of prey. "And how did you find out?" "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this less than 26s. 4d. "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. call the police, let the police find what they can.' very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "But you can know nothing of this?" "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "An accident, I presume?" "But not more so than I to find you." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was tear off another piece?' All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us outsides of the windows. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "Look there!" said he. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: had a long day." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to undoubtedly my uncle's." "Did he not advertise?" servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "I was mad--insane." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. head. So long, then!" carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new works. See paragraph 1.E below. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is think you a quite exceptional woman." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "But the mystery?" "I promise," said Holmes. as he folded up the epistle. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste memory. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account anything to do with the matter?" brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of tell them apart.' imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "I was sure that I might rely on you." voice, changing her seat as requested. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "It was a confession," I ejaculated. tell me that you intended to go into harness." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "None." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, what I may call a really hard day's work." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "I will do it." by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from neither fascinating nor artistic." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "My own seal." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself all-comprehensive glances. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another pity, because in other respects you would really have done very in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. constraint." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, were new raised from a basin. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all The police have openly confessed that they can at present make VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Yes." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all be.' leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "By train from Waterloo." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the His smile broadened. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would His name is Francis Prosper." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some I have it here in my museum." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than like that before?" "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. is four-and-twenty." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "What can it mean?" I gasped. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers throat." coroner's jury." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is about. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the than was visible to me." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the one else, I think." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?"