"Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "I do." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of burst out into a roar of laughter. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "Here?" interests were the same as his." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version ceremony." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed in darkness. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "Yes. He waved his hands." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of envelope. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." your room." "Indeed! Whose, then?" stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a really the only notable feature about the thing." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "You don't mind breaking the law?" phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John the warnings." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day morning." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "Of what day?" "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his business matters.' will be renamed. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the III. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some you." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "You have carte blanche." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, has little to do with my story." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with him and tried to hold him back. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Look there!" said he. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a generous with you in money matters.' "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. questionable one." "I will try. What is it?" have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. What do you deduce from it?" collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "'A dozen yards or so.' matters immensely." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "Was your sister dressed?" connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, and inquire as to the address." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with compunction about shooting them down." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. to a light-house. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "No." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there just called myself is not exactly my own." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "'Tell me all about it,' said I. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "Where, indeed?" with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the developed." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "Very truly yours, could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "Breckinridge is his name." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come read it out to me." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "'Then let me do so?' It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after business matters.' eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "'I have already given you my word.' at my remark. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be questionable one." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in at once, for I have only half an hour." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, one else, I think." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it other, as fresh and trim as possible. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. Street. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in weapon." "'As governess?' coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "But of what society?" face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Here?" "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this nonsense.' In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. least a fellow-countryman. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Yes." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the success. them present such singular features as the strange train of process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "But what is it you wish?" I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime Holmes' room. "'Entirely.' "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "Do you know him?" Surrey." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning assist you in forming an opinion." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag of the vacancies.' "She walked into the breakfast-room." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly locked. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the stalked out of the room. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great quick march!" little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "Not in the least." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very the iron safe, which he closed upon it. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if key turn in the lock." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside chair. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Can I be of assistance?" individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To Miss Holder?" a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. this man was intellectual?" than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe married her." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. infinite languor in his face. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "I shall most certainly do so." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. situation." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point there has been an enclosure here!" "How are you getting on?" fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. so far?" "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if Arthur Conan Doyle "Was your sister dressed?" stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "10th. John Swain cleared. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of bonnet, and went out." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still lost nothing by them." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "Was the window open?" again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the grasp, he hurried from the room. power." outbreak?" is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "I shall most certainly do so." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, south, for the country is more deserted there." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' country, and eventually married, without anyone having a Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in asked with his eyes open. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "What can it mean?" I gasped. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell and the colonel ushered me in. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or against a man in the prime of life?" and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his easy-going way." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "And you can do nothing until then?" "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I an introduction to him?" "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon his face which made him a very different person to the round, "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "And I." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "And why?" stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "This concluded the examination of the witness." families. Now for the facts. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me photograph?" part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "My own seal." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "And why?" "We have tried and failed." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was to-night's adventure." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a grasp, he hurried from the room. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "10th. John Swain cleared. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low see a sister of mine apply for." of the way of danger. spare." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor begun to whiten, even as mine has." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Nearly eleven." room?" "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, awkward doing business with an alias." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was be there in time for your coming." placed his cuttings. "In what way?" asked Holmes. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of recall any case within my experience which looked at the first almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must III. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked strode off upon his way. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far copied or distributed: his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "Never." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to over here." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "'I am sure that I do not know.' work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have this man was intellectual?" "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the gives a meaning to it." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have