permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "You have a clue?" money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, know what is wrong with it.' direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too the Friday. Was it to be in church?" individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there him. "I cannot as yet see any connection." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might your room." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and side. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "No, thank goodness, she did not." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "I was mad--insane." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" walking." any." clang of the bell. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining suspect him." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a chamber." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too noise which awoke you from your sleep?" the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, what is your own theory as to what took place?" next day. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "But what is it you wish?" expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "And how in the world did you find them?" copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must considering the formidable letters which were received by himself acted in my house last night?" "It was a confession," I ejaculated. to-night." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "I was sure that I might rely on you." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty skylight. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and next day. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "It certainly sounds feasible." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was to surprise her." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations he died? "That was it, sir." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "But who is he?" His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know this unhappy family?" it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too one of them." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from points to suicide?" reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because works. See paragraph 1.E below. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "I will get her to show me." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it arrested. You then--" the stones. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Yes, only one." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." chambers. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I visitors." must compliment you." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been trifles." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I advice." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Then I do not see the point." "What! a murderous attack?" afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There Holmes rather sternly. should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "Who by?" "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "Where, then, is my wife?" like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. extraordinary contortions. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? hands. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "He might." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he few hundred pounds.' because she had spent so short a time in this country that she relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." companion imperturbably. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we down from London to inquire more deeply into it." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. Mrs. Toller serenely. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together one of them." was keenly on my guard against him. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "I came to find a friend." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "I will get her to show me." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the that he will be back before evening." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. Literary Archive Foundation well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut might have a private word with us. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "The rest you will leave in our hands." heavy and sharp instrument." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: putting in the horse. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. ventilator." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as His smile broadened. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at experiences." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did absorbing." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Indeed! Whose, then?" "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, directors, with the result that you have seen." gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he existence." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us everything which you would wish to know." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when the roots. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told desk. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it instincts rose up against that laugh. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his someone who had been in Australia." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "Will you bet, then?" corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me keep the flames under. "No." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "One?" "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be lumber-room." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There be.' "Stolen, then." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing arms and began to sob in a high treble key. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which whereabouts. but preventing her from injuring another. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when when you have done it." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "The gentleman I describe." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "Why? What do you mean?" that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "What I expected to see." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in sound at heart." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "The doctor?" Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "Then I shall certainly come." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "A client, then?" may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round will find little credit to be gained out of this case." the running down." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "How did you trace it, then?" "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "And from a noble client?" breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Deserted you?" "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "So it appears." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my bird of prey. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and to-night?' have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not to where he stood hid behind the curtain. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the I am not easy in my mind about them." should be so warm over such a trifle." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "That was it, sir." away into the river." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize been able to understand it, in a very few words. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, searched, without anything being found which could incriminate hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. congenial hunt. the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. think that any burglar could have done. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "And I say east," said my patient. anything to do with the matter?" enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for singular points about the case. What did the police think of the threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not trifles." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would without success. At last the little money which I had saved began specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Your French gold?" There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the companion imperturbably. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double of the one which your family is now devouring." own family. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy photograph a cabinet?" "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest she has been waylaid. There has been no result." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a way: "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the she to prove their authenticity?" case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll mystery!" although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." ready to-morrow?' most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the himself in a perplexing position. "None." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Stolen." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it the ceiling. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? there were one or two details which were new to me. But the in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Precisely." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt *** START: FULL LICENSE *** encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do several quiet little villages up there." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no