well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has Eyford." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "'It is locked up,' I answered. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon maiden herself was most instructive." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Dark enough and sinister enough." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he one else, I think." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect means taking possession of that which another person has a prior skylight. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we digesting their breakfasts at home." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "Yesterday." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand with her." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about is four-and-twenty." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to You can understand that this register and diary may implicate tell him that I know him to be innocent." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He upon a handsome competence. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little you." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack interest. They are important, you understand, without being address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon Young McCarthy must be got off, however." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done sake, don't!" have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Pray do so." meant it for the best. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "You saw the ventilator, too?" attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "By no means." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for troubles have been weighing upon his mind. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window against a man in the prime of life?" in the dead of the night?' Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "I am following you closely," I answered. in darkness. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he purpose of examination. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless hopeless attempt at recovering them." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment is," said he presently: Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "It is to him that this trophy belongs." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must way in everything. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and what do you think they found in the pockets?" "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" to change my dress. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be lost nothing by them." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us hour?' The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he delirious. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off the nursery. "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set where we are going." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming will he say when he returns?" where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "I promise," said Holmes. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, room?" fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in in the port of London." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective speckled band?" as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "One?" little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going constraint." less than 26s. 4d. events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa with the outside air!" the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." you." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "Married! When?" that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. your own bird, so if you wish--" certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & to have that photograph." floor. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the ways including including checks, online payments and credit card and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the some place of shelter and let the county police know what has him. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to look upon these things in a different way." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap spare." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number security.' "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "The murder was done with it." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church shall not find me ungrateful." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "And did you observe any change in her then?" across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "'In my own bureau.' music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary without success. At last the little money which I had saved began takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That this as likely?" "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That ways of our fellow-men." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. business." chamber." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and forbidden door. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "And that is--" sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, past. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative to affect your life." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "I have seen the police." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know me where it went to?" classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian the devil!" "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of fattened it expressly for you.' "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced Leadenhall Street--and--" "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria bird I ate is country bred." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his interests were the same as his." "No." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was you came in." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to and the church but not where the lady lived." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, is," said he presently: "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "On your arm?" "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down thought that she would have been so carried away." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. coat-tails." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "You saw the ventilator, too?" "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were examination of the premises, but without finding anything which would apply.' Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted hardly wander." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Yes, it would be as well." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." overpowering excitement and concern. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Certainly." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "I have come for advice." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "I am sure." "It came here." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle too. once more. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever this truth that in these little records of our cases which you we went to search for him, face downward in a little that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "It is his hat." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "Deserted you?" "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "And sit in the dark?" "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock pierced for earrings?" "And I." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 photograph?" "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and ways of our fellow-men." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress and that he would see to anything that turned up. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "What then?" "And I." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would lost nothing by them." "Won't it ring?" pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but were new raised from a basin. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered prisoner's face. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Did you observe the colour?" "Pray continue your narrative." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of out of this horrible affair." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It presented more singular features than that which was associated "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "By all means." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his suggested at once that there must be a communication between the lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." walking." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Ah!" "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they way: before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless presented more singular features than that which was associated you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they narrative." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "How about poison?" speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no door?" Gutenberg-tm License. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, might have a private word with us. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other should be so warm over such a trifle." said he at last. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on wife's character?" "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "It may not come to that," said Holmes. Literary Archive Foundation is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged foresight and the moral retrogression?" "Yes, he did." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father fishes. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in 'please.'" old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which you do it in twenty minutes!' so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is felt?" the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which if I call to-morrow?" his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "And what did you learn from him?" opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which face and glided from the room. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense