crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You public press." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such started for the Temple to see my husband. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done it with his own hands." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." page at http://pglaf.org one's self under obligations.' make me his representative both with the servants and with the that he has suffered." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "The rest you will leave in our hands." "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I hour." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that morning." his huge brown hands. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may it." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that learned something! Where are the gems?" front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself were wasted." "Then you may be so with me." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon said I. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at relief. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my details should find their way into the papers. Inspector friend's singular character. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was me where it went to?" "Stolen." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is green of the new foliage. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "'And the work?' for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his note?" washing it down with a long draught of water. it means?" she used." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." sneer upon his pale face. correct than the official force." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our some place of shelter and let the county police know what has of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "What are they?" compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "And you can do nothing until then?" "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. is now desirous of getting those letters back." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and IS "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you he bowed and left the room without another word. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which records." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" started for the Temple to see my husband. offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in success. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had dramatic, in fact." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will people in all walks of life. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all very morning of my second wedding." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "I was sure that I might rely on you." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, and the church but not where the lady lived." "The vanishing of the lady." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." more terrible than the truth. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such will find little credit to be gained out of this case." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard she to prove their authenticity?" to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "No. What a strange idea!" struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was 'I should be able to look after that for you.' that you can jump it.' forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be ill-usage at the hands of fortune. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted presented more singular features than that which was associated called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "I answered that I had not. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the call for it in person on Monday morning.' reach." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a wall." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Yes, sir." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "'You doubt its value?' he asked. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an gives a meaning to it." father's young wife. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "What! You do not mean bodies?" examination of the premises, but without finding anything which little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "His face fell immediately. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "It looks newer than the other things?" the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "Nothing?" accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a records." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when such person." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and criminal. We have already had experience of such." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too walking." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of young Openshaw's." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "Very well, sir. And this stone?" absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Thank you. And your address?" the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "'And what salary do you ask?' and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. 1.E.9. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Look there!" said he. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your III. furiously. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the States. "I am still in the dark." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "Your French gold?" death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much My friend smiled. "No, I think that I'll take it." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "How many? I don't know." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, me. You must get home instantly and act." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I here." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "Then I do not see the point." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few sufficient punishment." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' Eyford." "What do you make of that, Watson?" base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present figure." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned you in your example." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "I think it very unlikely." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. me. "VIOLET HUNTER." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "No, thank goodness, she did not." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of me." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek Holmes' face clouded over. at my remark. telegram would bring me down to your help." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a weapon." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than with you?" formed some opinion?" the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and conclusions. "Deserted you?" thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Very truly yours, Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a better in every way that they should make their position a little you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "In answer to an advertisement." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the round with crates and massive boxes. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is an introduction to him?" there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "My private note-paper." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the until night should bring an explanation. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my matter over." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "Not in a good cause." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." goes." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The meant." to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked is so. I know all about McCarthy." "My opinion is in no way altered." trifles." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. hand, madam?" "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down the salesman. "Yes." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a them?" He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had jewels which you have stolen?' Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "ARAT," I read. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Yes, that is the Crown." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by may never be exposed to such a temptation." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "What steps will you take?" I asked. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out back into the street. article?" "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "What can it mean?" I gasped. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "It is solved." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND there was no need for father to know." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "Then the page we have seen--" Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and Foundation unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her bled considerably." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, would then never go into court at all." "Whose house is it?" fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "'What, the red-headed man?' "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "But how will you look?" "Then what has happened to him?" which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' page at http://pglaf.org through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had country, and eventually married, without anyone having a the loss of it. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "At what time?" about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "Whose house is it?" brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "He is dead," cried several voices. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any you want, then?' "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about to a more successful conclusion." companion. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "My photograph." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "My dear Holmes!" cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "How about poison?" she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action is entirely a question of barometric pressure." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and Watson," he said cordially. up this clue while it is still hot." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "She showed me, as I told you she would." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in all that?" "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "10th. John Swain cleared. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "Yes, all." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's dramatic, in fact." "Then, as to money?" that I am arrested." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear the one as in the other." "You have a clue?" "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their chance." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a during that time.' assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "Witness: It was. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be see a sister of mine apply for." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, to tell." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." soul! here is her carriage at the door." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving vanished into the darkness. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in open." "'Yes, sir.' "I have a cab outside." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "But of what society?" "You have a clue?" though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a