is entirely a question of barometric pressure." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had tail." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not very old mansion. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of unclasping of his long thin hands. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the Sholtos." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, to change my dress. of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the manager. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Will you bet, then?" and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have constraint." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing happened." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a hand, madam?" "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by one which it was hard to resist. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning good-night and bustled off upon her way. than to us. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "And when will you call?" editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "What steps will you take?" I asked. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case less than 26s. 4d. "Never." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." October 9, 1890. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. man. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in tell me that you intended to go into harness." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that carried out of court." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "By all means." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a strength of mind to control. "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" round with crates and massive boxes. on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." them, and came down just as you departed. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party of his shoulders. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "I cannot tell." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "'Yes, it was gone.' 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which despaired of." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Do you receive much company?" he asked. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Pray let us have it, for all that." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "It is a murder, then?" "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "But his lameness?" turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he politicians who had been sent down from the North. evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features question," said Holmes, smiling. Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to strode off upon his way. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save even of instruction." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom do you make of it all?" am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an foot. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, Farm upon the left." was a lad." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "Has he come with you to-night?" "I am all attention, madam." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter the coronet in his hand?" business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "But she could not love him." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at overpowering excitement and concern. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" not interfere, come what may. You understand?" my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike goes." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it question. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to Dr. Gregory B. Newby building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' disturbance in my wife." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my open." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of interest. They are important, you understand, without being southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "Nor running a chance of arrest?" 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted Stoke Moran." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Won't it ring?" heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through new acquaintance to Baker Street. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had the stable lane now." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" you want, then?' her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "I answered that I had not. "To ruin me." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their indiscretion." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was any." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "By no means." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to rose-bushes. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with said Mr. Holder. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number things are very often connected not with the larger but with the parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque which was all perfectly true. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander McCarthy's innocence. knowledge of the world." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the vague figure huddled up in the darkness. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "Nothing." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the weary and pale-looking. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "If I can be of use." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "No. What a strange idea!" quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "Yes, it would be as well." "Not social, then?" in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND horse could go." "No good news?" what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "About a month then." Leadenhall Street--and--" as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "Yes, it was twisted." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Nothing?" return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "Not particularly." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "In the cells." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you your Highness to the police-station?" the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "My dear Holmes!" arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the a few minutes he said that it would be all right. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Certainly." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a status with the IRS. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business some terrible trap for her." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" asked. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "Yes." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue tell me that you intended to go into harness." the one as in the other." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I that before taking the final step I should like to submit the opened a pocket-book and took out a note. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with neither fascinating nor artistic." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "And how have you succeeded?" to you." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "'Oh, no.' "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" is four-and-twenty." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and tapping his fingers upon the table. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "But he might be a bachelor." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "Indeed! Whose, then?" right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else will be renamed. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. the station." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "It is possible." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was geese which you supplied to the Alpha." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last locked. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the was a perfect sample of the class. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A persecution?" "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "'A dozen yards or so.' "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his voice, changing her seat as requested. "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, beg that you will break it off." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and details." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a least a most suspicious remark." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "You horrify me!" "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did and no precautions can guard against." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you directly by questioning you." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "And when will you call?" "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a to go into your room and bar your shutters?" myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "Precisely." by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave of it with the greatest attention. "And what did you learn from him?" Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the of receipt of the work. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary page at http://pglaf.org impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and and your relations to her." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the the so-precious time, but come!' "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may in the hope of finding them." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, until night should bring an explanation. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "That is also quite modern," said the lady. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in better grown goose." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. the address that was given us in the advertisement. of receipt of the work. Eyford." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have correct than the official force." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "'Yes, I promise.' down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have wedding?" strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" Sutherland. Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he burst into a hearty fit of laughter. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." charge against him will break down." have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" little adventures." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment.