wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "But how will you look?" that he has suffered." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" salesman. "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "Oh, the cause is excellent!" humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." lost nothing by them." delirious. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had weigh very heavily upon my conscience." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their that I am arrested." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "And is that all?" "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she had died away into the silence from which it rose. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a not within a twentieth part of the market price." "Stoke Moran?" said he. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" My friend smiled. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid you?" "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil Sutherland. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I highly," said Holmes. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, him to go away.' of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall thin legs towards the fire. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and the coronet in his hands?" said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "I would pay ten." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "The Coroner: What do you mean? slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your was feeling which was the fattest.' the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he colour had been driven from his face. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King the side-table." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has of." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a comes from the middle window." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, highly," said Holmes. Clair, of Lee." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of grasp, he hurried from the room. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps the bed, and you in that chair." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "I promise," said Holmes. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened promised to bring home. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and already referred to. true." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "How did you deduce the select?" the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you which I could not give. He asked for Alice. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from late!' weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional tell me that you intended to go into harness." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and door?" Foundation "Witness: It was. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in the Assizes." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few to miss it." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with the loss of it. do." "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "Get out!" said he. him to be an active member of the medical profession." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a begin with, and I had not got mine yet." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to upon the white wrist. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had question," said Holmes, smiling. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. his forehead." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, bedroom door." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and the dangers which encompass me." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man but preventing her from injuring another. became a certainty. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very what these perils are?" Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: tightly behind him. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, other means.' the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, read it out to me." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "Not in a good cause." throat." rat could hardly pass through." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "None." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much extraordinary contortions. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the out." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing are windows in it, of course?" met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "And that is--" "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and place of silver." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the man. I know him from the photograph." "Yes." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any ways of our fellow-men." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door words came to my lips. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I miles off. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up nothing with him." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform during that time.' upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the asked with his eyes open. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." must compliment you." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of less than 26s. 4d. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "That was it, sir." never will be, entirely cleared up. "Will you go?" "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "It came here." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my disappearance of these gems?" "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole advice." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was II. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "It is his hat." stammered. comes from the middle window." breakfast?" great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows meant." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "'Which dealer's?' hereditary King of Bohemia." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I address. "My dear Holmes!" "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived that threaten you." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "His face fell immediately. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." questioning and rather startled gaze. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that The King stared at him in amazement. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "It was an hour's good drive." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much page at http://pglaf.org a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between until night should bring an explanation. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew all that?" all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "What steps will you take?" I asked. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "Never." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "'In my own bureau.' mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "And what did you see?" every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs advice." dead, shall be safe with us." but preventing her from injuring another. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the be there in time for your coming." "Perhaps we may make them less so." "Pray do so." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "And on what day did he meet his death?" his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day telegram would bring me down to your help." disappearance of the bride.'" "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "I was sure that I might rely on you." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. would then never go into court at all." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" know all about it," he snarled. already been minutely examined." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been God! What an exposure! What can I do?" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At letters?" you." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was pity, because in other respects you would really have done very round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told served to weaken the effect. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of think that any burglar could have done. and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. shall not find me ungrateful." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised sofa. This way, please!" happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "No, I think that I'll take it." "Entirely." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "At half-wages, in fact." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the had this final quarrel? "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When too. provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Of what day?" "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could geese which you supplied to the Alpha." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Of what day?" girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "'Certainly not. But why?' found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search have an American origin." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we