"She showed me, as I told you she would." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "But you have hopes?" "Then he might have called to you?" little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of I am not easy in my mind about them." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "May I see it?" explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "And that is--" from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Pray let us have it, for all that." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic excitement. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." Edgeware Road. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." meant it for the best. stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. bare slabs of marble. "He disappeared so suddenly." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of your billet.' "Stolen." giving me time to thank him. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly and all of them with the keenest interest. "A greater distance to travel." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" anything to a woman, for she would have her way." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the and all of them with the keenest interest. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window rose-bushes. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the License. You must require such a user to return or weapon." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "Then how many are there?" eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Was she in good spirits?" thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some went to the Alpha were town bred." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" bare slabs of marble. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which so.' "Pray do so." his wife has ceased to love him." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried conduct the inquiry." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. fattened it expressly for you.' Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing politicians who had been sent down from the North. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "And that is--" precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." colour had been driven from his face. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I and the colonel ushered me in. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All intimate personal affairs in this public manner." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. the date of his supposed suicide." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common had this final quarrel? precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission danger is over." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Then I am your man." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House burst into a hearty fit of laughter. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home own family. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get returning from some small jollification and was making his way inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "You have the photograph?" "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "How did you trace it, then?" Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' appeared upon the scene." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned secret." "Pray continue your narrative." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a the best of training." were unconscious?" "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Pray do so." "To an end?" "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in said he, "my real name is James Ryder." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the said he at last. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant back into the street. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "What is it?" for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this Chief Executive and Director had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I drawing your inferences." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "Nor running a chance of arrest?" waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer entirely devoid of interest." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "On your arm?" "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, think, you have already met." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your what is your own theory as to what took place?" was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "The best possible." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able closely." "And you thought he was pulled back?" to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the appointment with me for six o'clock?" trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of nonsense.' know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "What can it mean?" I gasped. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss breakfast?" "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some used to be." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; not use it unless it is absolutely needed." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that least a most suspicious remark." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "I do." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a not, dad?" she asked. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for you for a few hours?" would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute maid will bring up your coffee." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one whatever might befall. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "It is true that I have been generally successful." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "I am still in the dark." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we assist you in forming an opinion." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative Dr. Gregory B. Newby necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now were new raised from a basin. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left are, and they are waiting for us." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a have had none more fantastic than this." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, the coroner come to?" charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "No, thank goodness, she did not." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its hereditary King of Bohemia." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know villagers almost as much as their master. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so national property. I was determined that the law should have its tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "Ha! you find it so?" "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "You were travelling in the States?" Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "No, finished." never came back." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited infinite languor in his face. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of opened the door, and slipped through. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in digesting their breakfasts at home." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Certainly." there was no need for father to know." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, of Mr. Rucastle's." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "By no means." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is the coronet in his hands?" ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, Street. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "9th. McCauley cleared. "Where, then?" "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast bearing upon the case." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "Thank you. Pray proceed." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. coat-tails." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "But she could not love him." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, the matter?" squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, troubles have been weighing upon his mind. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but Countess of Morcar's?" "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross prisoner's face. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done was not a bird to be seen there. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "I say that I have solved it." even of instruction." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the arrangements." "What shall I do?" as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies horse could go." wanted for ourselves." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "I think that I had better go, Holmes." been." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "9th. McCauley cleared. second window is the one that I jumped from." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Now, then, what's the last entry?" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I orange pips. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside weigh very heavily upon my conscience." persecution?" stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is strong and stiff." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm unkempt, staring out at me. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "And why in hopes?" "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a keep the flames under. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he