side. speckled band?" back into the street. "Pray continue your narrative." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him License. You must require such a user to return or "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "To ruin me." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a fat-encircled eyes. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps not personally threatened." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "I cannot think." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "'Ample.' fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "At half-wages, in fact." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, in a very precise fashion." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a the little opening for the ventilator is." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought forbidden door. Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive strode off upon his way. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so chemical work which was so dear to him. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, From what you have told me I think that it is possible that police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On the inner apartment." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. thirty. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's into the room. most interesting one." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it unprofitable." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for cigars in their mouths. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Has he come with you to-night?" 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used once more for Briony Lodge. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let Sutherland. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "Could he throw no light?" resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she train from Paddington which would bring you there at about with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My one of them." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, until night should bring an explanation. and a shock of very red hair. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "And how in the world did you find them?" prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he burst out into a roar of laughter. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "'I am sure if I had known--' six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case is worth.' "I say it is." several quiet little villages up there." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next opened the door, and slipped through. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug hour." me." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "No more words. Get out!" run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against a room. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. six. Come in!" blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at key of the affair now." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "It is half-past ten now." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "No." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "An accident, I presume?" saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the mystery!" deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to room?" last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his call the police, let the police find what they can.' villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as strode off upon his way. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding for the market.' through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "I have my revolver," said I. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." hour." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity help us in this matter." or other trace. But how on earth--" ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "What shall I do?" expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "I do." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent and the church but not where the lady lived." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to the warnings." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR forecastle of an emigrant ship. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "But the mystery?" upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped to affect your life." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked the house with me." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "Yes, he did." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, hand, madam?" outsides of the windows. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, horse could go." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I more terrible than the truth. in this note: as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that persecution?" "Yes?" houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son weapon." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." him. "Witness: It was. A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a upon the shelf for the interim." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will asked. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" pound a week." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "On your arm?" as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the residence of the great financier. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "'A dozen yards or so.' Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project pity, because in other respects you would really have done very instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "What! You do not mean bodies?" occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Certainly, madam." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "Texas, I think." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and salesman. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place passage and a tap at the door. from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal your equipment. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to call it cruel." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such certainly not very gracious." window when the police appeared." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he The summons was a brief and urgent one. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the and it need not interfere very much with one's other subject to the trademark license, especially commercial hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements would apply.' emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up said he, "my real name is James Ryder." has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "Certainly." "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of despair." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, distinguish the words: and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that pierced for earrings?" "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a not use it unless it is absolutely needed." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "But it has twice been burgled." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "When did it break out?" had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and absolutely follow my advice in every respect." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old neither fascinating nor artistic." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "One horse?" interjected Holmes. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I to a light-house. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove himself. "They are typewritten," I remarked. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "No, I had a dozen." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the some water from a caraffe. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I and I shall be with you presently." "Married! When?" explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "But she will refuse." call you and give you the chance." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "Where, then, is my wife?" "Why, what do you mean?" Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "'Tell me all about it,' said I. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long before the coroner and the police-court." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the your troubles." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Where did you address your letters, then?" "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in felt the room to be a little close.' work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am in his hands." "What! Had he lost his wife?" the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "But how will you look?" "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "No, but the enclosure is." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my mysterious business." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "'Yes.' expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air fishes. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "So I am. Very much so." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "That is possible." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. row." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "You horrify me." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "9th. McCauley cleared. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn Again Holmes raved in the air. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "'And the work?' What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if jewels which you have stolen?'