"To an English lawyer named Norton." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square Sutherland?" "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, keep the flames under. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "And is that all?" "Why? What do you mean?" "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns discontent upon his features. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was distinguish the words: "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, that grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a name is different." "Well?" happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "It is very clear." "'In my own bureau.' "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." neither fascinating nor artistic." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "'And the work?' "But how could you guess what the motive was?" a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Two days later this same performance was gone through under in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "My opinion is in no way altered." the matter?" "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray out of this horrible affair." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "They are typewritten," I remarked. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed what I may call a really hard day's work." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business wedding?" of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and ran thus: have I gained?" enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "VIOLET HUNTER." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "By no means." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' likely to be some crony of the landlady's." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. to a more successful conclusion." "'Where to?' maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Then, how do you know?" this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." not come at once?" matter." "Yes, sir." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to never came back." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy unprofitable." client, rising. "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." was a perfect sample of the class. round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." companion. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter memory. gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "Certainly." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with indeed happy." delighted to hear it," he said. it with his own hands." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, I am not easy in my mind about them." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "One of the highest in England." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears footfalls from the street. am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to should be so warm over such a trifle." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what as the one I chose?' it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, fatally injured? "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. man. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had away to you." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. fait accompli?" simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which tell him that I know him to be innocent." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the at my own good fortune. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "And how in the world did you find them?" "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Seven!" I answered. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. in my life." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything appeared upon the scene." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They to surprise her." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the Gutenberg-tm License. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "Your presence might be invaluable." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has Cross for the Continent." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." chair. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to people don't know." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and my special province." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. conceal it?" "To ruin me." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest just ask you whether you had heard it.' his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." said I. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. relief. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." she to prove their authenticity?" on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some colour had been driven from his face. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "How about poison?" we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "He disappeared so suddenly." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "Here?" "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a delirious. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for to affect your life." mystery!" "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin carpenter." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "'I have already given you my word.' flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and along the entire front of the house, with three long windows going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "None. Neville wrote those words." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter security.' better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I any little problem which you may submit to me." "9th. McCauley cleared. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took views." cigar and let me expound." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He anything to do with the matter?" therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue was not a bird to be seen there. correct than the official force." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "I should be immensely obliged to you." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and IS battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said emerged. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my new duties?' silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, fear." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is did not hear it also.' of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." of them has the shutters up.' do.' do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I carpenter." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is despair." "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point the very letters. But what is this written above them?' judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love that threaten you." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "How on earth--" had formerly been in part my own. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "How did you trace it, then?" "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that sneer upon his pale face. we went to search for him, face downward in a little he died? "What then?" already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "I should wish to." leave you to your papers for a little." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "And you don't know his address?" "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "I promise," said Holmes. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a that you can jump it.' there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Was she in good spirits?" few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these Pope's Court, Fleet Street." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. second." writer." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see over part of the map. "What do you read?" "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." and the church but not where the lady lived." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "'Ample.' of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of fear." to talk it over. rooms." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the been shamefully used." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Because he was handy and would come cheap." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler the child." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I returned to France?" "Oh, yes, easily." "That is not always so easy." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main me what he had done with the three missing stones. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to least a fellow-countryman. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary It may be so in this case, also." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was thirty. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "It is no ordinary one." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was quite distinctive." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular my former friend and companion. Clair, of Lee." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the reach." "And is that all?" "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. bled considerably." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "What! Had he lost his wife?" "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "And who is her maid?" Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "My private note-paper." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Was the window open?" case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that