considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "'You cannot say what it was?' through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "And I." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" towards the blaze. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg there were one or two details which were new to me. But the down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that would apply.' peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "Then you may be so with me." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "How do you know, then?" "What!" he roared. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "My dear Holmes!" putting in the horse. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the the best of training." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: whether it answered to the description of any of their knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the she slowly sank and died without having recovered her speckled band?" docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the to surprise her." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "And what then?" think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "'In my own bureau.' and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang Holmes' face clouded over. took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, God! What an exposure! What can I do?" believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in 1.F. Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "What is it?" accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you once more for Briony Lodge. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "'Is purely nominal.' "I am about to be married." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. formed some opinion?" trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready and wait." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your just called myself is not exactly my own." I took the paper from him and read as follows: from the brougham. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be Munro.' together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks from you?" this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, have I gained?" lost his Christmas dinner." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "Certainly." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my standing smiling on the door-step. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "At what time?" at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned interests were the same as his." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "You have the photograph?" not fit the lock." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one companion. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I and have this put in the evening papers." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such into the room. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to Holmes rather sternly. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." father's place of business?" wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a I leave." "Just look it up, then." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by ago." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "You think so, too?" purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet guilty parties." arrangements." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must during that time.' clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "Come in!" said he. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon seen the man in the road." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay as he remarks, very much against the son." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "What! a murderous attack?" whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "'And the work?' top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master weary and pale-looking. carriage. It was a chestnut." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom Leave Paddington by the 11:15." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." chemical work which was so dear to him. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I You want to know what became of those geese?" Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner cheerful." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "No, but the enclosure is." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. all-comprehensive glances. "But of what society?" "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open singular points about the case. What did the police think of the Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the following enigmatical notices: "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child in him." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" corner of the building. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Where, then, is my wife?" "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "What shall I do?" I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "My opinion is in no way altered." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, past. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "I was sure that I might rely on you." certainly not very gracious." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of humiliation." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' come either from the window or the door. My attention was all-comprehensive glances. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "But how will you look?" son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And gentleman's clothes. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, mysterious business." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that daring than any effort of the imagination." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he made him keep the appointment." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Who was the criminal, then?" future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds was used.' "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the get her out of the way." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I may have an influence upon European history." obstinate." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his considering the formidable letters which were received by himself not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is shall not find me ungrateful." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must that I may have something better before very many minutes are third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can and the church but not where the lady lived." certainly not very gracious." there." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened sit on the left-hand side of the driver." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out charged with?" yards of it?' with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "Then I shall certainly come." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "At the wedding breakfast." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "Not I." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves once more to my work. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "Murdered?" "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if and have this put in the evening papers." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The Heh?' crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his that across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was kindly on the shoulder. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal rooms." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who question," said Holmes, smiling. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet other lovers by making love himself." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on was feeling which was the fattest.' young Openshaw's." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "The Cedars?" had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This begun to whiten, even as mine has." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," shaken than I had ever seen him. call for it in person on Monday morning.' face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from Street. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "I should wish to." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his annoyance, but no jest. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. nothing of it?" For additional contact information: distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" few hundred pounds.' kind enough to tell me what I should do." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds 'please.'" their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of weary and pale-looking. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "Yes." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself outsides of the windows. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my for the market.' somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we very peculiar words of the dying woman?" comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "In heaven's name, what for?" "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but said I. at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an enter into my head. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "And I to find an enemy." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" affair. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my meant it for the best. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "Breckinridge is his name." "And I." formed some opinion?" Lee, in the county of Kent." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and closing the door. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "'And what salary do you ask?' "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. client, rising. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too I am not easy in my mind about them." constraint." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "You saw the ventilator, too?" "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, During two years I have had three consultations and one small thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." thought that she would have been so carried away."