through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium sneer upon his pale face. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet furiously. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. astonishment. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" 'I should be able to look after that for you.' 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "It is very kind of you." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the could gather together that I was able to avert another public "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "May I see it?" despaired of." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' hand, madam?" "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "Thank you. Pray proceed." some water from a caraffe. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were really the only notable feature about the thing." your bag." "Certainly." ago." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "One horse?" interjected Holmes. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and chill to my heart. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to been deceived." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "'Yes, it was gone.' stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with was used.' could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," you do it in twenty minutes!' homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "My Mary? Impossible!" then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "I am sure." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been in this way: I leave." present." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "About a month then." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "I came to find a friend." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "No." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "Not I." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Pray do so." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily fat-encircled eyes. "My stepfather's business papers." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Very truly yours, to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "'Certainly not.' "Why did you beat the pavement?" hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when cigars in their mouths. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own you." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is here." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "But what will you do?" the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "That is possible." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite in a friendly supper." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the this man was intellectual?" many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room most interesting one." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." have established a very serious case against the son of the guilty one." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no not as remarkable as your advertisement." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their conceal it?" and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and it." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm I shall continue with my miserable story. he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "From his hat?" feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. gone before you can get him to hospital." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." was not a bird to be seen there. "You are all wrong." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "Well, it is a possible supposition." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done and a shock of very red hair. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "'No, I know no one in these parts.' must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "No sign of it?" man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Never." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps what these perils are?" paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "My last client of the sort was a king." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for enter Dr. Roylott's room." occupations.' already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "The King of Scandinavia." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "Dr. Becher's." "'Ten to two.' the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you out of this horrible affair." "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "Not social, then?" by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a threw himself down with his face to the pillow. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "Her father is very rich?" as this. Pray let me have the details." "You think that he is dead?" and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "What can it mean?" I gasped. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank 1.F. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a goes." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing green of the new foliage. "And you thought he was pulled back?" transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss and all of them with the keenest interest. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "I was mad--insane." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should not fit the lock." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, telegram would bring me down to your help." long narrative. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my sentimental considerations in the background which would induce lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a know that the truth is known." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "The doctor?" dead, shall be safe with us." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Well." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the not personally threatened." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. you?" narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I served to weaken the effect. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was on in his house." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and from the brougham. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Murdered?" ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Dark enough and sinister enough." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "Yes, it would be as well." "I cannot think." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which hour?' "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the man. I know him from the photograph." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was sooner or later she must fall a victim. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the Mary, has deserted me." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' disappearance of the bride.'" judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "'Tell me all about it,' said I. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the this remarkable episode. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the gone. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you companion imperturbably. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his shall use the carriage to-night." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The spare." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle wedding?" which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were events than those which have happened in my own family." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "Entirely." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham writing, and yet I know it well." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "Game for a morning drive?" machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" train.' British peeress.'" followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer that, and I came down." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Did he not advertise?" it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "Where to?" during which he might have communicated with his friend the I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which some mystery and the punishment of some crime." waste of energy." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered you." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "Yes." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in there!' very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he my special province." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a key turn in the lock." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I results." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which the running down." again on its way. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "Do you know him?" wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "I have hopes." was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be