blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "I have a cab outside." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "'I have heard so.' Literary Archive Foundation The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Well?" week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "What of the rat, then?" "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as country, and eventually married, without anyone having a corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "'What do you call purely nominal?' shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "An enemy?" skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such there is a decided draught." him, that man would not have given me such complete information and prosperity to your house. Good-night." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an have been better. It is all right." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. outsides of the windows. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "But he might be a bachelor." "'What then?' I asked. has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It instincts rose up against that laugh. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which point our research must commence, and we will begin it by home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier business came to an end." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There woman." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "'And what are they worth?' I asked. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one amused." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "And how did he make his money?" The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that over his head with a sweet womanly caress. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed in a friendly supper." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a be there in time for your coming." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of tension within him. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an the tragedy. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "'Then let me do so?' away in different directions, and I went off to make my own beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Yes." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." ceremony." "You forget that I know nothing about it." redistribution. "And you don't know his address?" humiliation." "I cannot say that I have." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, fuss that is made over them." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "What are they?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his I nodded again. whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "Not in the least." to-night's adventure." tear off another piece?' common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free the nursery. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "Perhaps I have." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite fat-encircled eyes. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded distinguish the words: the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. page at http://pglaf.org "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily individual and becomes the badge of a society." "Oh, yes, easily." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I the stable lane now." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent cigars in the box." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery ago." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. with some details as to your case." "Yes?" "Yes, I have one waiting." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "I came to find a friend." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a if only as a check to my own memory." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may thin legs towards the fire. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a delirious. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or astonishment. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else 1.F. IS "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "None." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work yet." crowd. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to night.' said he. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then must compliment you." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "What, then?" while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, of the one which your family is now devouring." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but the Friday. Was it to be in church?" Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her criminal. We have already had experience of such." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb wedding?" to affect your life." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy your billet.' gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "Awake, Watson?" he asked. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. ordinary clothes on?" the very morning of the wedding." undoubtedly my uncle's." "That is not always so easy." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide noble correspondent could be. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor constraint." meanly of me." and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" mystery!" compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated begun to whiten, even as mine has." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. of campaign. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah weapon." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "Which surely he restored to their owner?" value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "No. His orders were to stay in the house." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "And help." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house fashion which was peculiar to him. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a not fit the lock." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "But she will refuse." at a side door. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a tell him that I know him to be innocent." "Always." of his shoulders. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a before, for it was considerably after midnight. bedroom door." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the Lee, in the county of Kent." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of three of the beryls in it, was missing. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while this truth that in these little records of our cases which you to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! Street. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "Precisely." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working I took the paper from him and read as follows: playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There depend upon my doing so.' cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall and wait." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "And now?" I asked. one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Why? What do you mean?" "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any depend upon my doing so.' footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded the matter?" brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his purpose of examination. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found For additional contact information: used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on what these perils are?" saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of himself to hunt down. Stoke Moran." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the to where he stood hid behind the curtain. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with desk. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "Was she in good spirits?" "Your presence might be invaluable." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "Was there a secret marriage?" Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but were new raised from a basin. "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "You are all wrong." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Yes." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, guilty one." your Highness to the police-station?" "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of likely to be some crony of the landlady's." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping something of him before." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. the coronet at all injured?" inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading a monotonous occupation." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly tightly behind him. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "But the mystery?" ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have subject to the trademark license, especially commercial and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other not interfere, come what may. You understand?" and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Then I am your man." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had woman." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over 'I should be able to look after that for you.' and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." friend's singular character. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its little adventures." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "But she could not love him." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. closing the door. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "You'll never persuade me to believe that." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him or in danger--" with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. to-night?" I asked. hardly wander." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. your only hope of safety." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I legal crime." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "Your sister is dead, then?" of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, wedding?" "Did he not advertise?" "Then you may entirely rely on me." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence