"Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Why, it's a dummy," said he. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There wall." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which dead, shall be safe with us." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of use an arc-and-compass breastpin." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." just ask you whether you had heard it.' "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "You think that he is dead?" than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Dark enough and sinister enough." confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police sentimental considerations in the background which would induce gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him I nodded to show that I had heard. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had security.' to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Her father is very rich?" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. definite end. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" made his money." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." to-night?" I asked. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "By no means." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in arms and began to sob in a high treble key. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "Why? What do you mean?" yet." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused http://www.gutenberg.net direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too your sleep?' His name is Francis Prosper." was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Pray be precise as to details," said he. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe joking. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be present." morning." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment said he. "You think that he is dead?" Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "And now?" He raised his hand. business." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia lost his Christmas dinner." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, second." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own late." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to Dr. Gregory B. Newby happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated existence." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower you, my dear young lady?' "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Stoke Moran?" said he. Gutenberg-tm License. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love do.' John Swain, of St. Augustine. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." province." reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," the salesman. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable noting anything else of interest. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall wife's character?" I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! sparkled upon his finger. mysterious business." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "What!" he roared. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the me." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "We must have a cab." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. carriage. It was a chestnut." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So Project Gutenberg-tm works. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "Yes, it would be as well." Eyford." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." lost nothing by them." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his as he remarks, very much against the son." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "No, thank goodness, she did not." "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of what do you think they found in the pockets?" look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "You did not overhear what they said?" "Was your sister dressed?" at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "And Miss Sutherland?" however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "I cannot say that I have." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. note?" look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it voice. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend threw himself down with his face to the pillow. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. leaning back in his chair. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "It is to him that this trophy belongs." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you astonishment. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. to have been novel and of interest." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you help us in this matter." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and coat-tails." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the Leave Paddington by the 11:15." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "Why did you beat the pavement?" latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Yes?" respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in or in danger--" Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps hopeless attempt at recovering them." Sutherland. everything which you would wish to know." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. have one." "How are you getting on?" say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "You horrify me." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just call the police, let the police find what they can.' had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he child?' prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. situation." in a friendly supper." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. think, you have already met." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his companion. do.' I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the here." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "By all means." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few appeared upon the scene." "But she will refuse." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is manager. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! to-morrow." way in." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "By all means." "A call for help, you thought?" I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her chemical work which was so dear to him. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, unprofitable." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I room?" "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm peculiar to him. one of the states of the Union." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "Your French gold?" maiden herself was most instructive." to arrive at through this?" The note was undated, and without either signature or address. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "Then he might have called to you?" secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it it. "'What then?' I asked. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front certainly not very gracious." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was ways of our fellow-men." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "In San Francisco, a year ago." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "I should wish to." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Why? What do you mean?" have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said new duties?' "Perfectly so." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save and your relations to her." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "I see no marks." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my Watson," he said cordially. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until forbidden door. Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. sound at heart." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning in one or two places in England?' is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out taking in every detail of the apartment. murdered man." "I will, Miss Turner." "My own seal." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Yes, there are nearly always some there." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely definite end. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face,