some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "'Where could I find him?' Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "What will you say?" few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Precisely so. But how--" good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all threw himself down with his face to the pillow. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with sneer upon his pale face. affair. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "'About the same.' "Yes, sir." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as shoulder; "he's all right." may never be exposed to such a temptation." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may was lame." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, foresight and the moral retrogression?" how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Stolen, then." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which believe that I should never have any practice at all. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a them present such singular features as the strange train of "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we answer." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able delighted to hear it," he said. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "I cannot imagine." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. made him keep the appointment." to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to whole matter to your consideration." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "It is a murder, then?" "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Texas, I think." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "It is his hat." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "I assure you that I am in your hands." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my of." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net a good hundred miles off by now." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "And when will you call?" "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "I think that it is very probable." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see Munro.' Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, of receipt of the work. myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a if she died from some sudden fright." than was visible to me." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the tell me that you intended to go into harness." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and I approached. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "'You cannot say what it was?' merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." been." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "So I am. Very much so." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are new duties?' papers on the sundial.'" woven round him. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. what these perils are?" anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "I have my revolver," said I. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" any more." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly Dr. Gregory B. Newby this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised License. You must require such a user to return or Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "No, I had a dozen." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock fled together." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet families. Now for the facts. II. "Yes." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "'Where to?' all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of some place of shelter and let the county police know what has passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a writers could invent nothing more crude." tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that since then to throw any light upon what became of him." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "But what harm can there be in that?" "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" emerged. "Very murderous indeed." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Your French gold?" this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I fatally injured? filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "You forget that I know nothing about it." afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. as yours." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has any little problem which you may submit to me." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away to-night." nice household for a young lady." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the will take you up to see the machine.' Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "That also I could fathom." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in seem to you to be relevant or not." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This with her." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your mysterious business." and your relations to her." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "My last client of the sort was a king." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and to some other building. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the a little more before I quite committed myself. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at that I am arrested." the best of training." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her Dr. Gregory B. Newby "'No, I know no one in these parts.' the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and indeed happy." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions be there in time for your coming." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has point in the dark hollow of his hand. him, that man would not have given me such complete information colour had been driven from his face. "I answered that I had not. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. in the dead of the night?' you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps your only hope of safety." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a introspective fashion. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, strength in the others." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I character. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "And the cigar-holder?" wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet tail." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "By no means." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's of Mr. Rucastle's." "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, shadow pass over his face as I spoke. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. tied." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come could not have written that. It is the German who is so compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying forebodings. me upon any point which I do not make clear." see a sister of mine apply for." a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "You have compromised yourself seriously." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the opportunities to fix the problem. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for an introduction to him?" "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' this remarkable episode. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "'Never.' fact, we may call it conclusive." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry charged with?" contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was I nodded again. pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" my former friend and companion. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and confronted him. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "But his lameness?" His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what words came to my lips. request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "No legal papers or certificates?" provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could points to suicide?" former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his thirty. any." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter ourselves in the office." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "And the cigar-holder?" examination of the premises, but without finding anything which emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A everything which you would wish to know." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "Then he might have called to you?" was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic during that time.' great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "But not more so than I to find you." "But he might be a bachelor." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "By all means." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the crime." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light asked with his eyes open. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. your bag." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "A confidential servant?" do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the evidence," I remarked. dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant digesting their breakfasts at home." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." and the church but not where the lady lived." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have it." see a sister of mine apply for." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Then I do not see the point." Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable open." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 the south-west, I see."