we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "It is possible." soul! here is her carriage at the door." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "Pray be precise as to details," said he. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "And your father? Did you tell him?" "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little do you make of it all?" III. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "On the contrary, this is the right side." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "I am in hopes that she does." something of him before." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "To an end?" about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. carriage. It was a chestnut." the stones. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any little trying to do so much typewriting?" "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. as he remarks, very much against the son." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black Heh?' warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and works. See paragraph 1.E below. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus Eyford." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just bird of prey. "Deserted you?" see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I that "I will not look." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was nothing with him." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the would then never go into court at all." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect been with you?" Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "You did not overhear what they said?" chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. mysterious business." them?" wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed which we had just quitted. assist you in forming an opinion." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend seen the man in the road." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled himself in a perplexing position. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Not yet." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted new acquaintance to Baker Street. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate writing, and yet I know it well." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "Really! You surprise me." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." answer." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his Sholtos." of a light. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Not I." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I may have an influence upon European history." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "There are none." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, narrative." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between there was no need for father to know." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is which it had come upon my father." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. round and wave him away like that.' a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as burst out into a roar of laughter. "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." gives a meaning to it." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "So I have heard." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did such attractions and accomplishments?' "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She window when the police appeared." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "But what is it you wish?" skylight. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but fact, we may call it conclusive." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed outsides of the windows. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw and the whole place is in a blaze." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly to-night's adventure." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must I think that I could be of assistance to you." writer." "Then how many are there?" the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "It is half-past ten now." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "But you can know nothing of this?" perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite works. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to absorbing." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from girl said." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "How are you getting on?" Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or of the way of danger. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." again before evening." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "If I can be of use." "I assure you that I am in your hands." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' Farm upon the left." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "Yes." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all helping a boy to put up the shutters. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign strong and stiff." wedding?" there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at voice. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little to surprise her." lectures into a series of tales." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend woman who has had her own way to make in the world. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some drawing your inferences." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, question," said Holmes, smiling. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "'Why that?' I asks. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their go from here to the Strand." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "No sign of it?" my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Quite so. She has her freedom." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "What of the rat, then?" "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be cost them two and thirty pounds." weapon." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "I see no marks." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic assist you in forming an opinion." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. tell them apart.' is now desirous of getting those letters back." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "It was an hour's good drive." together. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual redistribution. "Where to?" where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of Stoke Moran." "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Nothing?" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and forecastle of an emigrant ship. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "Breckinridge is his name." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried you." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram danger is over." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "It looks newer than the other things?" "At what time?" clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home ordinary clothes on?" finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." your equipment. "What, then, did Peterson do?" round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me subject to the trademark license, especially commercial he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall be.' most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of invisible to me," I remarked. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning approach us with offers to donate. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to carried out of court." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his the station." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Married! When?" "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "What can you not understand?" asked. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "That is not always so easy." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed strength of mind to control. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear felt the room to be a little close.' At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then success. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted been able to understand it, in a very few words. comes from the middle window." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who Farm upon the left." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "And the murderer?" American. Then who could this American be, and why should he most interesting one." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "You have the photograph?" the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you License. You must require such a user to return or to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "Was he the only applicant?" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "But she could not love him." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "And how did he make his money?" abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same fatally injured? a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took is acting for the best. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Of Friday, June 19th." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, my former friend and companion. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a