behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of me what he had done with the three missing stones. "Yes." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, little adventures." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from tightly behind him. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with Where does the thing come from?' keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining strong reason behind." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Quite so. She has her freedom." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "Not in a good cause." and capable of preserving a secret.' to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "But not more so than I to find you." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose is four-and-twenty." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it tension within him. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" fatally injured? "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall nights." "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa that, and I came down." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. that?' problems help me to do so." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "That is easily got." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great was a lad." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "I do." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "It may not come to that," said Holmes. do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at Holmes' face clouded over. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "I think it very unlikely." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "In which, sir?" the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "She told me to ask you." Have you good authority for what you say?" are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "10th. John Swain cleared. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's McCarthy." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly one else, I think." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she The note was undated, and without either signature or address. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was your room." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "How many? I don't know." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon unprecedented a position." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "'What, the red-headed man?' "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the my former friend and companion. was not a bird to be seen there. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are morning." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "I say it is." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. second." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in page at http://pglaf.org information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "What! You do not mean bodies?" us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Oh, fresh and glossy." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a ceremony." to take care of herself." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the woman who has had her own way to make in the world. congratulate you again." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "It was." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was made him keep the appointment." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "We must sit without light. He would see it through the received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with dear old homesteads?" "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the had picked up in the wood. the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "She showed me, as I told you she would." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "Ah!" and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "Why? What do you mean?" "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, upon an income of about 60 pounds." Project Gutenberg-tm works. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week look dissatisfied." might have a private word with us. to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him charge against him will break down." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, to surprise her." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to wanted for ourselves." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have business in the City. She little knew what. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "'As governess?' "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Where, indeed?" some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, room?" part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, The events in question occurred in the early days of my "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "And it is--" back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. compunction about shooting them down." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular feature." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, or in danger--" need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away conclusions. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what as this. Pray let me have the details." southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor carriage. It was a chestnut." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "But the mystery?" "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds occurred." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "Never to return." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little whole matter to your consideration." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and drawing your inferences." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "This photograph!" on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view you." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "What office?" "And you can do nothing until then?" "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "What steps will you take?" I asked. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some fire. You quite follow me?" "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which useful material for showing traces. The double line a little had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "Very. But will he see it?" "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "Then what has happened to him?" age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you it means?" "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the you give your casting vote to?" For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting waste of energy." not as remarkable as your advertisement." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the death." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "You'll never persuade me to believe that." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood have accepted such a situation. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. directly by questioning you." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another himself to tell his story. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the the tragedy. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he the very morning of the wedding." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and important." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have generous with you in money matters.' Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the have been better. It is all right." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere derbies." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There three of the beryls in it, was missing. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I she to prove their authenticity?" "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the ceremony." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter envelope. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had gentleman's clothes. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." system of imprisonment?" sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant there when the Rucastles went away." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the examine." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare interest. They are important, you understand, without being "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "A greater distance to travel." money should be paid at once.' "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out conduct the inquiry." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must again before evening." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so later, upon the night of May 2nd." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "'Is purely nominal.' "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation of his shoulders. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "What?"