conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "And I say east," said my patient. "Witness: It was. "How about poison?" answer." Again Holmes raved in the air. a good hundred miles off by now." congratulate you again." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "Holmes, the busybody!" few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Absolutely none." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly formed some opinion?" answer." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler weary and pale-looking. 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "But how?" strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Well, some hundreds of times." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "It may not come to that," said Holmes. Literary Archive Foundation expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the Mary, has deserted me." "'Ample.' served to weaken the effect. tightly behind him. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a examination of the premises, but without finding anything which companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He more terrible than the truth. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell help us in this matter." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss once more. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, nothing of it?" lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "By no means." waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a is," said he presently: months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "I should be immensely obliged to you." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is the stones. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the washing it down with a long draught of water. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need once more to my work. "It missed him, then?" every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in six. Come in!" "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after eavesdroppers?' "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six himself in a perplexing position. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "'Yes, sir.' not personally threatened." closing the door. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and corner of the building. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. think that he is innocent?" well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what unkempt, staring out at me. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which young Openshaw's." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly spare." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "Upon what point?" pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the character. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who himself in a perplexing position. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather third from London." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick taking in every detail of the apartment. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "And who is her maid?" into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out in this way: it." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did back to my heart. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Stoke Moran?" said he. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent them?" the coronet at all injured?" years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the that there was nothing in it, after all." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey introspective fashion. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "But how?" "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. unkempt, staring out at me. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken questioning and rather startled gaze. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." husband's writing, madam." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "Never to return." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the your own bird, so if you wish--" without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help before the coroner and the police-court." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "In heaven's name, what for?" they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "'I am sure that I do not know.' "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "In which, sir?" Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most His smile broadened. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in with the outside air!" "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "No bad?" could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they the loss of it. sooner or later she must fall a victim. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There one of them." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "Why, what do you mean?" upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body fled together." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my have one." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here interested in these little problems, and since you are good hard-headed British jury." power." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to goes." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "'Why that?' I asks. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin the tragedy. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," go--none." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of to you." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she prison!" retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "I cannot tell." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not The summons was a brief and urgent one. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward some city in a dream. "My dear Holmes!" Holmes rather sternly. freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of was keenly on my guard against him. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had sake, don't!" over with notes and figures. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "What then?" which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." breakfast." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in tail." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who morning." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "The King of Scandinavia." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend himself to tell his story. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "And the murderer?" "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have key of the affair now." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "Has he come with you to-night?" insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly miles off. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about directors, with the result that you have seen." your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "'Never,' said I. open." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' heavily into it. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 be there in time for your coming." "Yes." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, hurried away. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread affair. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny meant it for the best. politicians who had been sent down from the North. seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. do.' confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable will be renamed. gone. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be to-night." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "And the cigar-holder?" scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." vanished into the darkness. Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "Will you go?" misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever occurred." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to along the entire front of the house, with three long windows long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "And now?" I asked. populous neighbourhood." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still This is what he says: singular points about the case. What did the police think of the what do you think they found in the pockets?" as noiselessly as she had come. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no done what I asked you, Jones?" over his head with a sweet womanly caress. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Witness: It was. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "And how did you verify them?" this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, stepfather?" astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may his face which made him a very different person to the round, but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman nice household for a young lady." you in yours." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "To the police?" "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "One of his hands." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Where, indeed?" "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "Just look it up, then." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get which it had come upon my father." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who bare slabs of marble. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the to Leatherhead. and that he would see to anything that turned up. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor should be so warm over such a trifle." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "And did you observe any change in her then?" wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was sentimental considerations in the background which would induce the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the which our visitor detailed to us. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that point our research must commence, and we will begin it by when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the