into the bag, and made for the door. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and some terrible trap for her." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were dramatic, in fact." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right your troubles." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "You heard nothing yourself last night?" away in different directions, and I went off to make my own sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to window when the police appeared." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people manager. 1.F. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "It was an hour's good drive." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "And how?" other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "Which surely he restored to their owner?" gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "Did you observe the colour?" man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Then what has happened to him?" any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when a room. on re-entering her father's house?" hour." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two once more. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "'Is purely nominal.' "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "'It is locked up,' I answered. "It certainly sounds feasible." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "No, I am descending." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "And who is her maid?" "Pray continue your narrative." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Then I shall certainly come." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "What will you do, then?" mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. people in all walks of life. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "It missed him, then?" the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a that I can to serve you." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "He is dead," cried several voices. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. Leadenhall Street--and--" "Is he quiet?" "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I throat." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "Well, but China?" "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge copied or distributed: "I have hopes." old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "You think that he is dead?" "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major quick march!" "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much his grey eyes. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm I took the paper from him and read as follows: wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "'Then let me do so?' settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on Project Gutenberg-tm works. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' corner of the building. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "An enemy?" Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is weighed down with some great anxiety. happened." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Has he come with you to-night?" a few minutes he said that it would be all right. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "And is that all?" to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I peculiar to him. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a straighten it?" "One of his hands." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, hardly wander." spark where all is dark to me." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Entirely." a monotonous occupation." place of silver." details." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "What will you do, then?" poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to I nodded to show that I had heard. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to me." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by cigars in their mouths. is so. I know all about McCarthy." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said perplexity from it to my illustrious client. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. DISSOLVED. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Holmes, the busybody!" knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "Of what?" really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking was used.' http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that which we had just quitted. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "Not I." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence it. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "What will you do, then?" roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to digesting their breakfasts at home." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord upon the shelf for the interim." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But the coroner come to?" "And your mother is alive?" "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "Breckinridge is his name." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to better grown goose." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a indiscretion." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "What?" directors have had misgivings upon the subject." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "Who by?" should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able examination of the premises, but without finding anything which copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "'Is 4 pounds a week.' have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set the nursery. Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "How did he come?" gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "Yes, sir." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "But she will refuse." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black chambers. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might of a light. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite been able to understand it, in a very few words. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "Nothing?" Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "What then?" completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the coroner's jury." "You saw the ventilator, too?" quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom noting anything else of interest. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one Stoke Moran." conclusions. "Really! You surprise me." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us waste of energy." legal crime." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as one of the states of the Union." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the name is different." I. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" writing, and yet I know it well." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "'I am sure that I do not know.' "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were points to suicide?" I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she late." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. said he. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Then I do not see the point." village inn over there?" from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off geese which you supplied to the Alpha." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for she used." derbies." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." chance." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Deserted you?" neither fascinating nor artistic." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the second window is the one that I jumped from." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "He disappeared so suddenly." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, is," said he presently: the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Not social, then?" corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very occupations.' "Then he might have called to you?" "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. success. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into unkempt, staring out at me. that threaten you." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" Have you good authority for what you say?" name is different." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are the coroner come to?" the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "I have come for advice." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass Literary Archive Foundation Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Was he the only applicant?" framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. lamp in his hand. was used.' same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that and the church but not where the lady lived." ceremony." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "Very much so." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the to me. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "None." have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to stood on the top of it. my former friend and companion. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "One of his hands." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed hurried by. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "'Quite sure, dad.' Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old opened the door, and slipped through. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no