and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front the roots. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a bare slabs of marble. off." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not galvanised. long narrative. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "But what is it you wish?" perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "My stepfather's business papers." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "Yes, they were peculiar boots." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "You are all wrong." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his business came to an end." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, until night should bring an explanation. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, to go into your room and bar your shutters?" still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident but preventing her from injuring another. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come eavesdroppers?' heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "That also I could fathom." man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at prepare for the new role I have to play." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss situation." families. Now for the facts. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" extraordinary contortions. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Well." ago." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "Who was the criminal, then?" husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to less than 26s. 4d. fuss that is made over them." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, nights." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he hurried away. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "But how?" future lives." even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." already referred to. then?" "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Could he throw no light?" "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I with frightened eyes at his accuser. you." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "Have you it here?" card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "Certainly." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check begin with, and I had not got mine yet." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, I shall continue with my miserable story. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the them, and came down just as you departed. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "'Never,' said I. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "But how did you gain them?" laugh and put his lips to my ear. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "'I am sure if I had known--' him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Yes, from Horsham." "None. Neville wrote those words." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door straightened it out again. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "Certainly." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg correct than the official force." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of fled together." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of once more to my work. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged the address that was given us in the advertisement. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became with her." nonsense.' fat-encircled eyes. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he must compliment you." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per his grey eyes. mysterious end." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and occupations.' the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are and all of them with the keenest interest. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, done what I asked you, Jones?" they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Thank you. Pray proceed." had picked up in the wood. to tell." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save papers on the sundial.'" bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "Of what?" means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a seem to you to be relevant or not." Again Holmes raved in the air. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "I am sure." habit of advancing money.' Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something throat." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" strong and stiff." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he stood on the top of it. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "My opinion is in no way altered." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "What have you to say now?" "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom enter Dr. Roylott's room." the address that was given us in the advertisement. Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." politicians who had been sent down from the North. "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "Your sister is dead, then?" over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "Was your sister dressed?" was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she do.' John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "Yes." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and examine." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" quick march!" me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how you." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he photograph a cabinet?" See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have Clair, of Lee." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together it." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "The Cedars?" knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" delighted to hear it," he said. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. chamber." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "Then I am your man." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of only touch the interest." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole young Openshaw's." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us a good hundred miles off by now." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the new duties?' "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "'Yes, I promise.' ventilator." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long or other trace. But how on earth--" Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "Breckinridge is his name." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "How many? I don't know." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "How are you getting on?" wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after arrangements." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Where, then, is my wife?" keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. Stoke Moran." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' telegram would bring me down to your help." to surprise her." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open nothing of it?" Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "But you can know nothing of this?" misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a generous with you in money matters.' following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting occupations.' conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really arms and began to sob in a high treble key. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are already been minutely examined." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "This concluded the examination of the witness." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is said he at last. endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "What then?" approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if were wasted." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "I cannot imagine." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted you." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew observed. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." so far?" affection." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "She told me to ask you." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing thought that she would have been so carried away." bird I ate is country bred." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, nothing of it?" matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "'I have heard so.' regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my tell them apart.' heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at you found me to-night--and running through the front room she some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "Pray do so." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "'Never.' "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional you came in." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, green of the new foliage. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old heavily into it. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "He is still with you, I presume?" "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he works. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which again." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On James Windibank. Voilà tout!" pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse.