guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, his grey eyes. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "What can it mean?" I gasped. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "Pray do so." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a rat could hardly pass through." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "And how have you succeeded?" much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, geese which you supplied to the Alpha." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "'Yes, it was gone.' from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her chamber." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of shoulder; "he's all right." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which third from London." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "And Miss Sutherland?" constraint." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you dead, shall be safe with us." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative country, and eventually married, without anyone having a them, and came down just as you departed. "And the murderer?" "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "I beg pardon." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and said he at last. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." bird of prey. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever questioning and rather startled gaze. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Stolen, then." question. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. people don't know." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. kind enough to tell me what I should do." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "How long did she speak to this Alice?" sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the mystery!" for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life villagers almost as much as their master. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and most important business. It is probable that he will be away all I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door telegram would bring me down to your help." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "You have carte blanche." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when neither fascinating nor artistic." "Then he might have called to you?" passage and a tap at the door. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat some water from a caraffe. hand, madam?" been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth the running down." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that is acting for the best. however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "It is very kind of you." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred the little opening for the ventilator is." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw and no precautions can guard against." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as lamp in his hand. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and late!' "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is crime." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "That is not always so easy." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Not yet." "'Is purely nominal.' "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Do you go out much in society?" said Mr. Holder. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "'It is locked up,' I answered. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very more solid." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "But you have hopes?" I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness is a common subject for conversation. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do generous with you in money matters.' exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to think that he is innocent?" man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." himself in a perplexing position. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at the Red-headed League." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a footfalls from the street. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "Witness: I must still refuse. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar and laid it on the table. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions of the vacancies.' Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his page at http://pglaf.org straightened it out again. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "No." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "'It is locked up,' I answered. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in could go. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "And Irene Adler?" Where does the thing come from?' gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into case before our client came into the room." your equipment. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when silent! Oh, he will be silent!' in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "You heard nothing yourself last night?" fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "I guessed as much." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our never will be, entirely cleared up. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and salesman. have had none more fantastic than this." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on DAMAGE. offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of quite distinctive." "If I can be of use." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has cause to be." "What steps will you take?" I asked. that you can jump it.' something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his will be renamed. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." fluttered off among the others. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "A thing like a cleaver," said he. the address that was given us in the advertisement. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not true." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to Street. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which morning." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "'Yes.' no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a take the flies, but not before." "A call for help, you thought?" and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "I cannot imagine." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Yes, they were peculiar boots." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at province." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "Precisely so. But how--" new duties?' to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "'Which dealer's?' "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but south, for the country is more deserted there." He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal details should find their way into the papers. Inspector law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "No, my brougham is waiting." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Could he throw no light?" can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out goes." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in he died? "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage too. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while went to the Alpha were town bred." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the sake, don't!" "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been second window is the one that I jumped from." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but Watson," he said cordially. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "You horrify me!" remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the since then to throw any light upon what became of him." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, about here speaks of his kindness to him." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had asked with his eyes open. door?" you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR I nodded again. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between acted in my house last night?" "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one less than 26s. 4d. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between examination of the premises, but without finding anything which her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had own family. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom upon the shelf for the interim." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "You have carte blanche." him. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love morning." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia of Mr. Rucastle's." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying Munro.' which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "Yes, the wine-cellar." the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have questionable one." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is young Openshaw's." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to girl said." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "'I shall certainly be there.' into the bag, and made for the door. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "At what time?" "It is no ordinary one." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we his cane at the bell-pull. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up McCarthy." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds formed some opinion?" his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "The murder was done with it." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's your Highness to the police-station?" and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Yes." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "'Ample.' would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these Leadenhall Street--and--" direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced