the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both burst out into a roar of laughter. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in whatever might befall. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, generous with you in money matters.' main points of my analysis." "I cannot as yet see any connection." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull recall any case within my experience which looked at the first ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. the Assizes." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it records." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "At the wedding breakfast." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter Lestrade of Scotland Yard." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was strength in the others." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Thank you. And your address?" did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our conduct the inquiry." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap past. infinite languor in his face. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital is now desirous of getting those letters back." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds little adventures." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have held up the lantern and gazed about him. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east something of him before." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "Married! When?" the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was death." interested in these little problems, and since you are good "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if events, Mr. Windibank!" someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town way in." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, she might be summoned. horse could go." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "'I am sure that I do not know.' "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that he died? "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could Farm upon the left." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future into the bag, and made for the door. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Quite so." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said evidence," I remarked. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. quite distinctive." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are call the police, let the police find what they can.' was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of you in your example." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that The note was undated, and without either signature or address. expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done fait accompli?" sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "Never." "'Entirely.' even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of whereabouts. "And is that all?" speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "What do you make of that, Watson?" has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on of them has the shutters up.' appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds existence." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an you, my dear young lady?' than was visible to me." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from dramatic, in fact." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste entirely devoid of interest." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until most important business. It is probable that he will be away all you." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "What then?" jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he washing it down with a long draught of water. ashen face. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an so.' His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining II. door?" may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child joking. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I think, you have already met." despaired of." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my train from Paddington which would bring you there at about yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which remarked. "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "'Very good.' "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "'What would be the hours?' I asked. a room. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "You think so, too?" low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. salesman. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "No?" might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as vague figure huddled up in the darkness. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, approach us with offers to donate. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." do.' by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said of the vacancies.' was a lad." "No, distinctly professional." felt the room to be a little close.' "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should to arrive at through this?" granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your always that they were such commands as a lady might with me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately maid will bring up your coffee." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an without success. At last the little money which I had saved began of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup been able to understand it, in a very few words. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the felt?" "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure would then never go into court at all." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that pound a week." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace suggested at once that there must be a communication between the and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "One of his hands." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, points in connection with it which never have been, and probably sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "'I have heard so.' particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "Stoke Moran?" said he. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing knowledge of the world." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "Nothing." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the whole matter to your consideration." "Proceed, then." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the horse could go." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing disturbance in my wife." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment Lestrade of Scotland Yard." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass rose-bushes. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "'Is 4 pounds a week.' to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the was shining brightly. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. second." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "'What then?' I asked. "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a seem to you to be relevant or not." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Yes." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you clang of the bell. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if views." over part of the map. "What do you read?" lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "My stepfather's business papers." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who upon a handsome competence. had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am both be extremely obliged.' have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement business." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen all-comprehensive glances. and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his followed. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum you." "You have the photograph?" while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an in the dead of the night?' that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with companion. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" strong and stiff." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off had picked up in the wood. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest better grown goose." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer weapon." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it things are very often connected not with the larger but with the could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I gbnewby@pglaf.org Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Then I shall certainly come." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous sooner or later she must fall a victim. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations tapping his fingers upon the table. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole upon the white wrist. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance tail." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "Oh, fresh and glossy." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a business?" "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is where she found matters as described by the last witness. must compliment you." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "The Cedars?" "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "'Certainly not.' interest. They are important, you understand, without being the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?"