in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about been." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "You forget that I know nothing about it." "About a month then." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "From his hat?" "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are business in the City. She little knew what. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the sneer upon his pale face. "I say that I have solved it." that ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; me. "Did you become engaged then?" Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "And when will you call?" to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "Do you receive much company?" he asked. tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous roused himself from his reverie. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress God! What an exposure! What can I do?" the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Witness: Nothing definite. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "This photograph!" "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me point in the dark hollow of his hand. my secret was safe in his possession. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not papers on the sundial.'" abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the daring than any effort of the imagination." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and hand, madam?" as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "'Certainly not.' "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "You did not overhear what they said?" from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "At half-wages, in fact." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter with you alone." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the straightened it out again. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington system of imprisonment?" "And your father? Did you tell him?" grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "I have seen the police." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "But his left-handedness." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "Yes." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Yes, they were peculiar boots." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed and inquire as to the address." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists of the way of danger. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. easy-going way." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "'Yes, it was gone.' open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a for its centre. second window is the one that I jumped from." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, bore every mark of being an average commonplace British you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without Holmes' room. it." "But you were on a friendly footing?" I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached on re-entering her father's house?" may have an influence upon European history." place of silver." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the coat-tails." "'Very good.' Holmes' thin, eager face. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "That was it, sir." "'Which dealer's?' more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the his face. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "But the mystery?" the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond I nodded to show that I had heard. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Never." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the 11:15.' his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed bears upon the case?" before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "We must sit without light. He would see it through the coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "To the police?" door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has nothing with him." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss feature." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am footfalls from the street. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" papers diligently of late, have you not?" darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot laugh and put his lips to my ear. of them has the shutters up.' hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed you in yours." unclasping of his long thin hands. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? My friend smiled. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "No, thank goodness, she did not." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled events, Mr. Windibank!" wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is said he. bonnet, and went out." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "Well, it is a possible supposition." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us of fine shops and stately business premises that they really reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." so.' Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest despaired of." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not indeed happy." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Yes, at the mines." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of and inquire as to the address." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! over part of the map. "What do you read?" feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "I cannot tell." advice." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so some place of shelter and let the county police know what has your most interesting statement." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that threw himself down with his face to the pillow. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, him!" "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "And why?" "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to one which it was hard to resist. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Certainly." "Breckinridge is his name." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. is now desirous of getting those letters back." "By all means." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said everything which you would wish to know." "That is easily got." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Then I can wait in the next room." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your call it cruel." is so. I know all about McCarthy." "I was mad--insane." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a bled considerably." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the companion. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few carriage. It was a chestnut." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "Which surely he restored to their owner?" that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he new acquaintance to Baker Street. "That was it, sir." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "What can it mean?" I gasped. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Where, then, is my wife?" Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was intimate personal affairs in this public manner." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our you give your casting vote to?" "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "And Irene Adler?" the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by sufficient punishment." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads DAMAGE. handed it to him. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do them?" address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment to take care of herself." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "It is his hat." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in feature." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "I promise," said Holmes. it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' standing smiling on the door-step. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "'What then?' I asked. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "The gentleman I describe." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "It was an hour's good drive." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been fish-monger and a tide-waiter." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin suspect him." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable speckled band?" shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "Did he not advertise?" "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read that I am arrested." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax assist you in forming an opinion." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if some place of shelter and let the county police know what has glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt his cane at the bell-pull. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being really the only notable feature about the thing." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "What, then?" put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to me where it went to?" "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun me. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "If I can be of use." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "We must sit without light. He would see it through the and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "Yes." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich front of the hall door has given its name to the place. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "But we can't all be." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so detective. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, them?" my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Dr. Becher's." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have was keenly on my guard against him. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "Very truly yours, 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. went to the Alpha were town bred." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "'I am sure that I do not know.' an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought