the window, rose as we entered. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Farm upon the left." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less that you wished to speak to me?' but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was him, that man would not have given me such complete information keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. as he remarks, very much against the son." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope showing my impatience. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she Project Gutenberg-tm works. "And the murderer?" pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few your co-operation." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "Did he not advertise?" without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, disturbance in my wife." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other Sutherland?" There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "You horrify me." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every main points of my analysis." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. that I may have something better before very many minutes are age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were so.' "I do." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "When did it break out?" It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again evidence," I remarked. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "She walked into the breakfast-room." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." Sholtos." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." late!' light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "You have the photograph?" that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He written. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a returned to France?" one else, I think." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he once more to my work. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his correct than the official force." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "If so, much may have happened between." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist extraordinary contortions. "And you can do nothing until then?" surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper trying to your nerves." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That depend upon your compliance." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came nonsense.' with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "'I have already given you my word.' business in the City. She little knew what. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "But who is he?" broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper the running down." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in them?" there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "By train from Waterloo." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only father's place of business?" very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the as noiselessly as she had come. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. cost them two and thirty pounds." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. whole matter to your consideration." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low the nursery. all that?" chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "The murder was done with it." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I entirely lost his self-respect." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and awkward doing business with an alias." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "None." "May I see it?" "How did you trace it, then?" plantation.' laugh and put his lips to my ear. had picked up in the wood. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was tell him that I know him to be innocent." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "You think so, too?" inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice one which it was hard to resist. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the a room. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "Not him." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as me what he had done with the three missing stones. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "A client, then?" a very grave face. about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "This concluded the examination of the witness." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of Pope's Court. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as there!' figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "The murder was done with it." room. "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both man. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. enter into my head. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, arms and began to sob in a high treble key. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." felt the room to be a little close.' Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "I do." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "We must sit without light. He would see it through the scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "I guessed as much." "'What are you doing there?' he asked. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and that you can jump it.' Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "You know me, then?" the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the likely to be some crony of the landlady's." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "My Mary? Impossible!" own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be sound at heart." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the tapping his fingers upon the table. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook remarked. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "'As governess?' to miss it." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, think that he is innocent?" second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at face and glided from the room. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by of the vacancies.' "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "But of what society?" "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "No, but the enclosure is." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "I will not look." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' because she had spent so short a time in this country that she their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is such attractions and accomplishments?' tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." him to be an active member of the medical profession." the driver. indeed happy." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "How do you know, then?" "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Could he throw no light?" "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Where is it, then?" "What are they?" "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Here?" my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "She walked into the breakfast-room." most interesting one." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "No, I am descending." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we bird of prey. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never pictures, libraries, or plate. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the The events in question occurred in the early days of my of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been his huge brown hands. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there mysterious business." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "I have solved it." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." the Assizes." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." more solid." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met window when the police appeared." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "VIOLET HUNTER." notes," he said. putting in the horse. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their I approached. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock copied or distributed: it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "But not more so than I to find you." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell Leave Paddington by the 11:15." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Married! When?" "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but shadow pass over his face as I spoke. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs think, you have already met." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his II. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet from the brougham. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a purpose equally well?" had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable