say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a are, I think, all that we need." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. have one." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Will you bet, then?" my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. humiliation." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman begin with, and I had not got mine yet." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "What shall I do?" glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean are, I think, all that we need." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, minor matters until to-morrow." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the have an American origin." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "I was mad--insane." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "Awake, Watson?" he asked. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is dramatic, in fact." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, visitors." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, gbnewby@pglaf.org little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the burst out into a roar of laughter. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me had picked up in the wood. he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as advice." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had populous neighbourhood." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. take the flies, but not before." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily too. "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little be. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. rose-bushes. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, she might be summoned. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said his cane at the bell-pull. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "No." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Why, it's a dummy," said he. anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton just called myself is not exactly my own." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off astonishment. America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the is now desirous of getting those letters back." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "Very well, sir. And this stone?" be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in to me. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, cost them two and thirty pounds." tell me that you intended to go into harness." at my own good fortune. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "I have a cab outside." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor events, Mr. Windibank!" "'And what are they worth?' I asked. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my out of this horrible affair." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really you want, then?' "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted system of imprisonment?" questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers and put his glass in his pocket. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we a very grave face. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white returned to France?" Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "Yes, they were peculiar boots." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe Where does the thing come from?' "Very truly yours, "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by whatever might befall. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "How long did she speak to this Alice?" vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of disappearance of these gems?" there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. astonishment. "Your presence might be invaluable." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring which was all perfectly true. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave pound a week." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after III. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Which are?" alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the garden below. second." this as likely?" also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "Here?" I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "She walked into the breakfast-room." Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Tired-looking or fresh?" "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "Where is it, then?" way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, 'please.'" planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Who by?" "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "I have seen the police." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "I warn you that they are very incomplete." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Two days later this same performance was gone through under round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to putting in the horse. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could here." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "What do you mean?" he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the if only as a check to my own memory." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn ceremony." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said prisoner's face. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round little adventures." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Only as much as we can deduce." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "In the cells." Munro.' "Have you her photograph?" sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. cigars in the box." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so people in all walks of life. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's fasten all the windows?" we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for jewels which you have stolen?' impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "But I am all in the dark." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in of Mr. Rucastle's." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the do.' "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life strode off upon his way. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is six. Come in!" sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Certainly." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is in my life." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I pressing in one house as in another. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare think that he is innocent?" "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls roused himself from his reverie. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of conceal it?" Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "But she will refuse." "My dear Holmes!" "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND one's self under obligations.' friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "But you were on a friendly footing?" He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "Well?" his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "Where to?" broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "What then?" man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for one or two very singular points about this room. For example, morning." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "How often?" Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just at my own good fortune. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should salesman. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. crackling voice. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that lumber-room." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." wedding?" "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger orange pips. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "None." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have a little more before I quite committed myself. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and and put his glass in his pocket. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" remarked. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "By train from Waterloo." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself was the fact that his father should, according to his account, and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became was a loud and authoritative tap. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "By no means." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty you do it in twenty minutes!' "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it the address that was given us in the advertisement. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop strode off upon his way. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "I am all attention, madam." "Always." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "I assure you that I am in your hands." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said room had already been engaged for us. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or