that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things Edgeware Road. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project been with you?" off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that seven miles from Eyford Station.' he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "You saw the ventilator, too?" darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the towards the blaze. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a good for you to do.' some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "It must be recovered." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "Absolutely none." meanly of me." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "You know me, then?" come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He envelope. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" again on its way. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "I am about to be married." down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "No. His orders were to stay in the house." past. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "So I heard. You have him here?" loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern country, and eventually married, without anyone having a we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "'How far from the body?' "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "How long did she speak to this Alice?" stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole child?' His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. for securing the situation." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" place no limit on the sum I may draw." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." the station." giving me time to thank him. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his been." "None." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front details." "You horrify me." of the way of danger. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon details should find their way into the papers. Inspector made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the tied." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "But she could not love him." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming whether it answered to the description of any of their imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Were they all fastened this morning?" geese which you supplied to the Alpha." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my room. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Where is it, then?" red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "You think that he is dead?" another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed tell them apart.' "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend generous with you in money matters.' just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted voice, changing her seat as requested. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that him to go away.' you." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "I shall most certainly do so." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is details should find their way into the papers. Inspector friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made brandy and water within his reach. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it with you?" easy-going way." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "I fear not." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small at my own good fortune. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed some terrible trap for her." voice, changing her seat as requested. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "No. What a strange idea!" Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "I am armed." that I am arrested." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Yes." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few events, Mr. Windibank!" have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the your only hope of safety." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and desk. said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a lamp. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but place, I think that there is good ground to think that the when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this to change my dress. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given have had none more fantastic than this." go from here to the Strand." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "The rest you will leave in our hands." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with public press." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "'I shall certainly be there.' 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" himself. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "Yes, sir." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "It is no ordinary one." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "How often?" not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and within hail.' King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "'What then?' I asked. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Very well, sir. And this stone?" As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "I beg pardon." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "I am following you closely," I answered. must be when I saw the door open.' closing the door. carpenter." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced jewels which you have stolen?' Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on this remarkable episode. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off the bottom.' "Well, some hundreds of times." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent cup of tea. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left go back?" 'I should be able to look after that for you.' glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and forecastle of an emigrant ship. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "I never have." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "No." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "No more words. Get out!" retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs what do you think they found in the pockets?" maiden herself was most instructive." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly to his chemical studies. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "And why?" over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Well." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are is so. I know all about McCarthy." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Certainly, madam." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Then I do not see the point." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. anything to do with the matter?" a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, Clair, of Lee." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "Murdered?" case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with footfalls from the street. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "'Yes.' grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door details should find their way into the papers. Inspector the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is horse could go." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "I should be immensely obliged to you." morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed floor. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up heavily into it. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short and put his glass in his pocket. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "An enemy?" yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the better grown goose." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the Holmes' thin, eager face. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "And why?" "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must time." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "But you have hopes?" sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "Really! You surprise me." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "'It is locked up,' I answered. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "'In my own bureau.' and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the there was no need for father to know." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country that you can jump it.' slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "Thank you. Pray proceed." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "And that is--" impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own I shall communicate with you." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, formed some opinion?" "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was breakfast?" and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words the matter?" "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "The decline of his fortunes, then?" quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "'How far from the body?' little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but article?" "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "Whose house is it?" "Why serious?" afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but that you saw all that I did." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have Literary Archive Foundation exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "I will do it." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Why did you beat the pavement?" this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "I cannot tell." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Which are?" dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Yes, only one." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "'In my own bureau.' should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" the little opening for the ventilator is." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." said he at last. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Why serious?" has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." the room while you explain this matter?" may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe