dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, amused." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." carpenter." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work walking." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered colonel looking down at me. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up completely overtopped every other consideration that we both exactly what you advise." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. against a man in the prime of life?" pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are of it with the greatest attention. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "It was an hour's good drive." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so married her." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "In San Francisco, a year ago." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. is four-and-twenty." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," used to be." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my and shall probably return to London by the evening train." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of sentimental considerations in the background which would induce I. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip presented more singular features than that which was associated savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "I warn you that they are very incomplete." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Whose house is it?" bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "It is to him that this trophy belongs." astonishment. "I have my revolver," said I. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "Ah!" clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "Stolen, then." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter him to be an active member of the medical profession." "The landlord of the Alpha." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain must compliment you." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel whereabouts. "I was mad--insane." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "'I have already given you my word.' questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my written. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me clang of the bell. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, see me here to avoid scandal." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is way in everything. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the case-book, which he consulted. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with my special province." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "None." "Not social, then?" had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An so far?" footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "Nearly eleven." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Was he the only applicant?" perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, have not had my rubber." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything the running down." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the down. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to the coronet in his hands?" green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "So I am. Very much so." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable gigantic client. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident Serpentine Avenue. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, questionable one." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low down from London to inquire more deeply into it." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of your sleep?' "I will, Miss Turner." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. foresight and the moral retrogression?" pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, disturbance in my wife." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked murdered man." "I should wish to." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are retorted upon me, and I on you." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, enter into my head. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and shall not find me ungrateful." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "But what will you do?" his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty was the fact that his father should, according to his account, Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "But how?" amused." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, cigars in their mouths. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working dead, shall be safe with us." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the all-comprehensive glances. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "That is also quite modern," said the lady. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "'You doubt its value?' he asked. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when asked. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I villagers almost as much as their master. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "At the wedding breakfast." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the standing smiling on the door-step. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "You have compromised yourself seriously." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive over with notes and figures. volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and signal between you and your father? "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is II. "Get out!" said he. "But how did you gain them?" tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "BALLARAT." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "Married! When?" "And the cigar-holder?" large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out comes from the middle window." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his interest. They are important, you understand, without being conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the entirely lost his self-respect." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not prepare for the new role I have to play." you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "Married! When?" whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." 1.E.9. events than those which have happened in my own family." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for opportunities to fix the problem. him!" blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing said he, "my real name is James Ryder." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Who was the criminal, then?" "How often?" with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table and files of the old papers, following the future career of every what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers who was a member of your goose club." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. appeal." following enigmatical notices: metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the orange pips. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in foresight and the moral retrogression?" I. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "It goes to the housekeeper's room." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "My dear Holmes!" "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to investigation." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "The murder was done with it." "Of Friday, June 19th." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch during which he might have communicated with his friend the roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "Very well, sir. And this stone?" the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "No." that "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "'Yes, I promise.' they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the constraint." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to remarked. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have advice." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those giving me time to thank him. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "Nothing." "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," DAMAGE. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "'No, I know no one in these parts.' hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "Your sister is dead, then?" "How are you getting on?" to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "An accident, I presume?" "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that a good hundred miles off by now." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "And your mother is alive?" with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country instituted." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was http://www.gutenberg.net speckled band?" "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms least a most suspicious remark." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "'I have already given you my word.' which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "She will not sell." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was already been minutely examined." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I delighted to hear it," he said. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "You are hungry," I remarked. yet." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "And your father? Did you tell him?" Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the think that he is innocent?" ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "That is not always so easy." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' to have been novel and of interest." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "I should like to see him very much." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Well?" said I. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge dear old homesteads?" go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "That is not always so easy." you." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall