as the one I chose?' "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "No. What a strange idea!" flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" likely to be some crony of the landlady's." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Well, but China?" a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong good for you to do.' explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good tail." "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "'Yes, it was gone.' clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "'Certainly,' I answered. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" my special province." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "No, finished." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate not come at once?" little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He problems help me to do so." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "And why?" January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for The note was undated, and without either signature or address. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had spark where all is dark to me." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Was the window open?" I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes nonsense.' I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as to talk it over. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "He said too much." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. happened." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" south, for the country is more deserted there." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious went to the Alpha were town bred." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Where, indeed?" pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite Serpentine Avenue. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped she used." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "I will do it." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" evidence," I remarked. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an mysterious business." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal straightened it out again. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the hour." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his even of instruction." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "And now?" I asked. "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "What then?" labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "'What, the red-headed man?' the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather danger is over." the night.' "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly late!' may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I to surprise her." "'What, the red-headed man?' my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands to miss it." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever name is different." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "Not I." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this infinite languor in his face. "Your sister is dead, then?" will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "I don't say that. Perhaps." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between guilty parties." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who problems help me to do so." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they do.' "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. furiously. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "But who is he?" signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "I have come for advice." "I say that I have solved it." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length shadow pass over his face as I spoke. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something tell me that you intended to go into harness." knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, a few minutes he said that it would be all right. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great locked. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "What! a murderous attack?" to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." will not take me long to tell. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That locked." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Come in!" said Holmes. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "I cannot tell." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "Nothing?" Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some enter Dr. Roylott's room." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it his eyes and forehead. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "'Why that?' I asks. of the way of danger. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence time." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Why did you pick him?" web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "But you were on a friendly footing?" minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I appeared upon the scene." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a were wasted." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He skylight. taking in every detail of the apartment. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the night.' said he. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and him, that man would not have given me such complete information "I am in hopes that she does." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which side. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever quite distinctive." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and business at Coburg Square is serious." "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name attention." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "I will, Miss Turner." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. wedding?" "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than yet." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "And what then?" "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless to surprise her." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand chance." "Is he quiet?" myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very bare slabs of marble. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the gone. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "Breckinridge is his name." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever ventilator." depend upon your compliance." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." system of imprisonment?" a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never business came to an end." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, of fine shops and stately business premises that they really the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his corner of the building. and the colonel ushered me in. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "They are typewritten," I remarked. "I am following you closely," I answered. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "Yes. He waved his hands." writer." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the bears upon the case?" "What is it, then--a fire?" this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of views." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn criminal. We have already had experience of such." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Precisely." "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." himself. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, bled considerably." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, figure." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "If I can be of use." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't the south-west, I see." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "That's no good." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "What do you mean?" have got?" "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to had formerly been in part my own. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a whole matter to your consideration." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is she slowly sank and died without having recovered her 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in thirty. the so-precious time, but come!' streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before in him." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by case before our client came into the room." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of open." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps that there was nothing in it, after all." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The directly by questioning you." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "An accident, I presume?" "How often?" came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these you." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "You did not overhear what they said?" "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with husband's writing, madam." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "I promise," said Holmes. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and said he. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you money should be paid at once.' running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some opened a pocket-book and took out a note. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' point in the dark hollow of his hand. lost his Christmas dinner." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone said he. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic and that he would see to anything that turned up. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not plantation.' he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Nothing." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little unclasping of his long thin hands. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you do.' and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot is worth.' "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "What!" he roared. "But what harm can there be in that?" her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I upon the sideboard." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have and no precautions can guard against." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try a room.