companion. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "It is possible." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, gone. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this the coronet in his hands?" out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of intrusion of other matters." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "Yes." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" companion. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity Gutenberg-tm License. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "What?" It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me of the one which your family is now devouring." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She you." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, the loss of it. to talk it over. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism as he remarks, very much against the son." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "A client, then?" Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened and the church but not where the lady lived." the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs drove away. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William His smile broadened. McCarthy's innocence. Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just awkward doing business with an alias." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' man. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Why, it's a dummy," said he. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So your bag." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. manager. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Yes, from Horsham." the coronet at all injured?" spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Tired-looking or fresh?" hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." room. are, I think, all that we need." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the His smile broadened. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "By train from Waterloo." "Nothing." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Yes." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "My private note-paper." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than and a shock of very red hair. existence." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove was used.' towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good entirely devoid of interest." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was daring than any effort of the imagination." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My foot. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "And your father? Did you tell him?" metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the upon a handsome competence. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons depend upon my doing so.' "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most answer." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "Game for a morning drive?" "But to whom?" at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "Yes." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, Have you good authority for what you say?" Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "Pray do so." have not had my rubber." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" friends, not even his own brother. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, our word." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction fuss that is made over them." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your ourselves in the office." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My young Openshaw's." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "Deserted you?" the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has cheerful." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for plantation.' from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, said Mr. Holder. relief. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "I shall be delighted." rose-bushes. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their pierced for earrings?" you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would are windows in it, of course?" have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that in this way: "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a you, my dear young lady?' hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when once more on the important position which you have been fortunate *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform bell. Holmes whistled. "My last client of the sort was a king." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "My Mary? Impossible!" for securing the situation." one else, I think." McCarthy." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." them present such singular features as the strange train of of a light. wedding?" weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, this truth that in these little records of our cases which you It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped door?" the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of congratulate you again." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "If so, much may have happened between." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by sound at heart." man. I know him from the photograph." coroner's jury." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City sentimental considerations in the background which would induce Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "This concluded the examination of the witness." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "I am all attention, madam." the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it indeed which he could not unravel. this unhappy family?" "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and never to learn it at all." "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small whereabouts. tell him that I know him to be innocent." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "No." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to throat." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and here." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "She told me to ask you." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall row." "Dirty?" of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever even of instruction." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening matter." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "When did she vanish, then?" "Here?" long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of Surrey." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, indeed which he could not unravel. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a investigation." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Yes." "Entirely." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. mystery." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall for and were ordered to this address. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this wedding?" "Who was the criminal, then?" young Openshaw's." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a straightened it out again. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were bird of prey. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they the child." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of you." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "No, I am descending." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "You will not go there first?" real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his tell them apart.' whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, rose-bushes. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, be there in time for your coming." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's correct than the official force." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not During two years I have had three consultations and one small "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was rose-bushes. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "But I have heard all that you have heard." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have Mary, has deserted me." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached ways including including checks, online payments and credit card were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "A greater distance to travel." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at chance at all." "'Never.' your most interesting statement." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was to that open window." Eyford." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical may have an influence upon European history." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out chance." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I generous with you in money matters.' "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "And what did you learn from him?" tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "How did he come?" "Witness: Nothing definite. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. sound at heart." became a certainty. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Quite so." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "In the cells." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots call for protection in the marriage market, for the present events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "Yes." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody his eyes and forehead. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if direction." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "And Miss Sutherland?" received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his