their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Nothing." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be results." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get for the market.' three of the beryls in it, was missing. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." that threaten you." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. business matters.' tell him that I know him to be innocent." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of bird of prey. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk was already answered. permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. never to learn it at all." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we of them has the shutters up.' "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "I have solved it." direction." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "There is the writing." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Well, but China?" distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, noble correspondent could be. to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "By all means." young Openshaw's." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business purpose of examination. caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little the ceiling. hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Married! When?" the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point should be taken.' "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the delighted to hear it," he said. foresight and the moral retrogression?" professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." for its centre. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "What is it, then--a fire?" other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over III. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Yes, there are nearly always some there." desk. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door pressing in one house as in another. paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the during that time.' other lovers by making love himself." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" at my remark. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Certainly." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the one else, I think." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor what I may call a really hard day's work." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "So I heard. You have him here?" "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, trying to your nerves." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "You don't mind breaking the law?" time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have your sleep?' it." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already October 9, 1890. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading like gravel from a pit.' not fit the lock." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "Never." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be During two years I have had three consultations and one small right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "It surprised me." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "None. Neville wrote those words." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "And who is her maid?" the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "Dirty?" some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the brandy and water within his reach. absorbing." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Holmes, the busybody!" slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide Where does the thing come from?' you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, His name is Francis Prosper." it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, to where he stood hid behind the curtain. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole time." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. forebodings. patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "They are typewritten," I remarked. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to present." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "'Yes, I promise.' Where does the thing come from?' of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. of campaign. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Nothing." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is hardly wander." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A have established a very serious case against the son of the himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his said he. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "'About the same.' brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "It is possible." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "So I am. Very much so." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I the house with me." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "Awake, Watson?" he asked. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "Very much so." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "That's no good." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "The vanishing of the lady." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her more solid." to talk it over. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the subject to the trademark license, especially commercial produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is suddenly upon us." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "And who is her maid?" later, upon the night of May 2nd." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "Do you know him?" and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "How are you getting on?" his huge brown hands. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "What shall I do?" "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case one else, I think." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my or other trace. But how on earth--" finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. she slowly sank and died without having recovered her in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method front of me. used to be." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "And what did you learn from him?" his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram carried out of court." ordinary clothes on?" It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the the very morning of the wedding." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but way in." "From his hat?" thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and remarked. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "Will you go?" his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper touch that coronet?' "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "Has he come with you to-night?" "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she hurried by. "It must be recovered." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. few hundred pounds.' it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to colonel looking down at me. new acquaintance to Baker Street. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any populous neighbourhood." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "No." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had status with the IRS. "And how in the world did you find them?" his grey eyes. will be renamed. before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a unprecedented a position." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the ordinary clothes on?" impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward cost them two and thirty pounds." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case not within a twentieth part of the market price." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, jewels which you have stolen?' be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar like gravel from a pit.' and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His bachelor.' take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, in a friendly supper." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an of Fenchurch Street." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." happened." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were is so. I know all about McCarthy." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which hand, madam?" not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "I say it is." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "Why? What do you mean?" row." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my least a fellow-countryman. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he disappearance of the bride.'" and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "You'll never persuade me to believe that." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see you in yours." "I see no marks." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his on in his house." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, me, and I could not think that his explanation of the Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the status with the IRS. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a to change my dress. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to certainly not very gracious." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "And you thought he was pulled back?" "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "That is not always so easy." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and long narrative. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what bachelor.' an introduction to him?" prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "It was." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in