the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion this truth that in these little records of our cases which you sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has to a more successful conclusion." "Yesterday." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." point in the dark hollow of his hand. speckled band?" "Certainly." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide matters immensely." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step giving me time to thank him. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the man. gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" is worth.' seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "At half-wages, in fact." in the dead of the night?' reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. might help us?" "And leave your case unfinished?" "No legal papers or certificates?" man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon II. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in evidence," I remarked. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round and put his glass in his pocket. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found of Mr. Rucastle's." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and conclusions. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by to that open window." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. and it need not interfere very much with one's other the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "I cannot say that I have." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the placed his cuttings. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "Of what?" calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. questioning and rather startled gaze. unkempt, staring out at me. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "What can it mean?" I gasped. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had fashion which was peculiar to him. him to be an active member of the medical profession." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "We were both in the photograph." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "A client, then?" reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings wall." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an me. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "Of Friday, June 19th." stood on the top of it. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, round and wave him away like that.' saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "How did he come?" Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat Chief Executive and Director marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "I cannot imagine." if I call to-morrow?" "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then down. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" papers." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "'Most admirably.' "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the him, that man would not have given me such complete information money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and flock.' "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in taking in every detail of the apartment. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Seven!" I answered. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "'Tell me all about it,' said I. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that present." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "How about poison?" have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "And how have you succeeded?" her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of my secret was safe in his possession. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "The gentleman I describe." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "I never have." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. feature." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is bill, which interests me deeply." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "My Mary? Impossible!" justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had do you make of it all?" other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss where we are going." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. what I may call a really hard day's work." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so to take care of herself." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous you do it in twenty minutes!' the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Nothing." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of chair. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what once more for Briony Lodge. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was them?" the house with me." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." III. The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some will not take me long to tell. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and o'clock is it?" upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "'Is 4 pounds a week.' this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." the loss of it. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads confronted him. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "I do." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to any little problem which you may submit to me." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout call the police, let the police find what they can.' armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent this as likely?" "Not yet." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from three fields round his house, and there he would take his unprecedented a position." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "And why?" sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook salesman. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up done what I asked you, Jones?" to a more successful conclusion." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "No legal papers or certificates?" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do Serpentine Avenue. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." distinguish the words: "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "What can you not understand?" he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "I should like to see him very much." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual Holmes' thin, eager face. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "This photograph!" and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up Edgeware Road. one of the states of the Union." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "Did he not advertise?" Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "On your arm?" is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small said he. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped in his hands." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried keep the flames under. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "There are none." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had few hundred pounds.' jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, he died? to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert enter into my head. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope hardly wander." "It looks newer than the other things?" but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' appointment with me for six o'clock?" relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her During two years I have had three consultations and one small as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. upon the sideboard." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and a few minutes he said that it would be all right. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Absolutely none." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "Yes." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. respectable self." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "'I have heard so.' shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really present." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "I cannot imagine." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to been lifted and conveyed somewhere." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so overpowering excitement and concern. occurred." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "What! You do not mean bodies?" down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "It was." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." enter Dr. Roylott's room." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." McCarthy's innocence. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall lamp. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when occurred." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to help us in this matter." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people his face which made him a very different person to the round, electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the which are rolled in Rotterdam." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the newspaper selections." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no come either from the window or the door. My attention was through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a any more." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "What are they?" is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to way: "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Bought." look upon these things in a different way." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are once more for Briony Lodge. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows.