Holmes' face clouded over. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so posted to-day." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." beyond words. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I open." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in clang of the bell. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very and capable of preserving a secret.' the inner apartment." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was married her." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and forbidden door. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Yes." "But I have heard all that you have heard." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon and shall probably return to London by the evening train." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying so.' I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "What is it?" "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. to affect your life." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before distance from the station, and there we found the young lady smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. to tackle the facts." she used." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout my little problems." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether fire. You quite follow me?" that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, with you alone." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the enter into my head. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, you?" "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns husband's writing, madam." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "I would pay ten." is now desirous of getting those letters back." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "I have seen the police." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about problems help me to do so." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, and I shall be with you presently." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR humiliation." "Precisely." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "None." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in deduce something from that?" cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he again, where I was soon asleep. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could that he has suffered." "Yes." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Yes, it was twisted." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "What! a murderous attack?" man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in the matter?" dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This through." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Why, what do you mean?" "Has he come with you to-night?" waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three gone. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all to change my dress. people in all walks of life. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a you?' merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she companion quietly. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "'Why that?' I asks. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me sit on the left-hand side of the driver." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." enough to aid us in our search." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Because he was handy and would come cheap." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Her father is very rich?" it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said other, as fresh and trim as possible. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "I think it very unlikely." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "What can you not understand?" "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "What is it?" in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "And when will you call?" grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Was your sister dressed?" admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most my room." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to experiences." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he remarked. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general to me. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" call the police, let the police find what they can.' And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Which are?" reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Precisely so. But how--" nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "Of what day?" foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "What steps will you take?" I asked. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. http://www.gutenberg.net he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Why did you beat the pavement?" "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "And I say east," said my patient. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King in the port of London." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, come either from the window or the door. My attention was them?" idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom be best to do. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Yes, sir." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. better in every way that they should make their position a little and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is correct than the official force." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her had picked up in the wood. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging singular points about the case. What did the police think of the Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you begun to whiten, even as mine has." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't you in yours." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "How can you tell that?" never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "No. What a strange idea!" me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa his eyes and forehead. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady reach." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a became a certainty. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "The rest you will leave in our hands." crime." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" shoulder. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "You have but to name it." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down Literary Archive Foundation your bag." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was the stones. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Witness: It was. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less is entirely a question of barometric pressure." system of imprisonment?" Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right Dr. Gregory B. Newby your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes business in the City. She little knew what. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called it." business in the City. She little knew what. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "My opinion is in no way altered." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I call you and give you the chance." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes threw himself down with his face to the pillow. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an mystery!" wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "I should wish to." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "Were they all fastened this morning?" neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The singular points about the case. What did the police think of the putting in the horse. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the answer." "'And the work?' showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. bill, which interests me deeply." "Very truly yours, "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, your sleep?' "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and over here." page at http://pglaf.org contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it noise which awoke you from your sleep?" his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One wall." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and have established a very serious case against the son of the "I cannot tell." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Now, then, what's the last entry?" pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "Never to return." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, is," said he presently: interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your seem to you to be relevant or not." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" residence of the great financier. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms returned to France?" suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. time." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the that before taking the final step I should like to submit the kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "'As governess?' "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely