501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was disappearance of the bride.'" "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Quite so. She has her freedom." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would help us in this matter." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "Will you bet, then?" "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "We must have a cab." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be emerged. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly shaken than I had ever seen him. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the papers diligently of late, have you not?" ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I not personally threatened." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the look dissatisfied." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and away to you." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "Entirely." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have away into the river." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." charge against him will break down." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "Why did you beat the pavement?" morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I rooms." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. you for a few hours?" on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, in his power. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in started for the Temple to see my husband. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "Then the page we have seen--" he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. quite distinctive." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "You did not overhear what they said?" every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall is worth.' whether it answered to the description of any of their found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a weapon." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me Have you good authority for what you say?" from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "Well?" foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my call for protection in the marriage market, for the present is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my happened." weapon." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution purpose of examination. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the it." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "Did you observe the colour?" suddenly upon us." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. were unconscious?" more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" o'clock is it?" is so. I know all about McCarthy." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her intrusion of other matters." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "Very. But will he see it?" light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut may never be exposed to such a temptation." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "I was mad--insane." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could Cross for the Continent." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I again." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. several quiet little villages up there." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Your presence might be invaluable." events than those which have happened in my own family." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or leave you to your papers for a little." himself to hunt down. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been populous neighbourhood." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite his huge brown hands. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant this poor creature." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is help us in this matter." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a them?" somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my your sleep?' undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "Dr. Becher's." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror the loss of it. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the cheerful." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "Yes." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "You think that he is dead?" diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Yes." terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a photograph?" absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." paper in the air. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and which was all perfectly true. point in the dark hollow of his hand. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "'Never,' said I. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional from you?" upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my drove away. "Absolutely?" what these perils are?" 'please.'" "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "In San Francisco, a year ago." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "'And what are they worth?' I asked. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem learned something! Where are the gems?" for and were ordered to this address. fear." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "And sit in the dark?" away into the river." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." whether it answered to the description of any of their that?' partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such it right.' troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, entirely lost his self-respect." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of your bag." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent This is what he says: "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her to tell." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all strength in the others." asked. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was It was close upon four before the door opened, and a time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed constraint." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at gentleman's clothes. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely felt the room to be a little close.' "What is it, then--a fire?" free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "It surprised me." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "Why, what do you mean?" "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Where, then?" "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, to have that photograph." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Oh, yes, easily." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his lost nothing by them." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not amused." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in back alive. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, maiden herself was most instructive." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is the window, rose as we entered. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves shall not find me ungrateful." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should looking up at the numbers of the houses." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "The Coroner: What do you mean? week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent where Mr. Fordham shows you.' day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the interested in these little problems, and since you are good mystery." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "Yes, certainly." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very name is different." trying to your nerves." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "No, my brougham is waiting." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "No, I am descending." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it were wasted." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "Yes?" rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Won't it ring?" once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if train.' Henry Baker is a member." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. Street. "Yes, but only for you and me." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very interests were the same as his." and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the arms and began to sob in a high treble key. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when prove to be little relation between the different incidents of papers on the sundial.'" dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, entirely devoid of interest." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "Then I do not see the point." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are of receipt of the work. "Of Friday, June 19th." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "And now?" I asked. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. thin legs towards the fire. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "No?" "You horrify me." nonsense.' "What steps will you take?" I asked. "Not social, then?" Munro.' "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "Yes." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two Doctor, of the paper and the date." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "I say that I have solved it." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely and inquire as to the address." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "Not yet." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door criminal. We have already had experience of such." your room." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "No." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two could gather together that I was able to avert another public conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must in his power. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she you want, then?' went to the Alpha were town bred." such person." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they go--none." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Murdered?" I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical and laid it on the table. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It absorbing." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "It is his hat." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and you?" "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary