"You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "In which, sir?" "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his at home. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Where, then, is my wife?" "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the carried out of court." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "Because he was handy and would come cheap." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "Dr. Becher's." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, Surrey." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "'Where could I find him?' stammered. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But whether it answered to the description of any of their seen the man in the road." tension within him. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened leaning back in his chair. of a light. in him." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has address. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector the little opening for the ventilator is." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by is now desirous of getting those letters back." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "It is to him that this trophy belongs." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us tassel actually lying upon the pillow. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which you." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are she to prove their authenticity?" through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "And it is--" however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "Yes. He waved his hands." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "'It is locked up,' I answered. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough is so. I know all about McCarthy." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' begin with, and I had not got mine yet." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard The summons was a brief and urgent one. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "She told me to ask you." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged handed it to him. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had be. are windows in it, of course?" "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the grasp, he hurried from the room. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would opened the door, and slipped through. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave in your London, you will know that the office of the company is Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. has little to do with my story." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. that slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, me." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against constraint." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is Farm upon the left." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. papers diligently of late, have you not?" handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small Dr. Gregory B. Newby The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. point in the dark hollow of his hand. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I mysterious end." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "Then I can wait in the next room." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had and capable of preserving a secret.' would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Then you may be so with me." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who kindly on the shoulder. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very door?" held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely maiden herself was most instructive." "No, finished." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, maiden herself was most instructive." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. in your London, you will know that the office of the company is side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "No." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would carriage. It was a chestnut." "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "It is to him that this trophy belongs." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me him. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." I was concerned in it." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of ceremony." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with enter into my head. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' depend upon your compliance." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was suggested at once that there must be a communication between the there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. photograph?" at my own good fortune. note?" "None." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular overpowering excitement and concern. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no of the one which your family is now devouring." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "My dear Holmes!" noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when remarked. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "None." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up unkempt, staring out at me. "That is unusual in a young girl." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "I am in hopes that she does." rose-bushes. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out hereditary King of Bohemia." have one." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "'How far from the body?' rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will behind me. which it had come upon my father." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker nights." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without From what you have told me I think that it is possible that her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help frequently gained my first real insight into the character of have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it woman." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "Yes, it would be as well." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." other, as fresh and trim as possible. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though money should be paid at once.' enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "In San Francisco, a year ago." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "'About the same.' "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. the coronet in his hands?" Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will writers could invent nothing more crude." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "'I shall certainly be there.' it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I fled together." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." individual and becomes the badge of a society." straighten it?" left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "'Which dealer's?' "Oh, the cause is excellent!" the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Stolen, then." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem respectable self." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not business at Coburg Square is serious." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign get her out of the way." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "Oh, fresh and glossy." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake careless servant girl?" "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen call for protection in the marriage market, for the present The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "'And what salary do you ask?' and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, with some details as to your case." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "I see no marks." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "In San Francisco, a year ago." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was became a certainty. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "What?" this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "I came to find a friend." "Nearly eleven." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden would then never go into court at all." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "No bad?" bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "But how?" him to go away.' across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable been anything against him. He had for years been known as a gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and the south-west, I see." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Is he quiet?" yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while heavily into it. events, Mr. Windibank!" practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many the nursery. story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "To the police?" cheerful." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in Sutherland. hopeless attempt at recovering them." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Yes, from Horsham." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." his cane at the bell-pull. "Perhaps I have." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "But his left-handedness." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me writing, and yet I know it well." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little here." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "How did that help you?" "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed sake, don't!" my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Certainly." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "To ruin me." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for triumphant cloud from his cigarette. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "No. What a strange idea!" his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "From his hat?" "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "What office?" news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after were wasted." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "It is possible." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his