troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I me. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE 1.E.9. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, Mary, has deserted me." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." make me his representative both with the servants and with the "How are you getting on?" as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of must compliment you." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate triumphant cloud from his cigarette. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove the so-precious time, but come!' now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and woven round him. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have not as remarkable as your advertisement." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable married her." occupations.' there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this I approached. strength of mind to control. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and is four-and-twenty." were wasted." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man is now desirous of getting those letters back." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "Indeed! Whose, then?" "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by and have this put in the evening papers." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all through." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "I have come for advice." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "'What do you call purely nominal?' neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or have an American origin." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "A client, then?" said I. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds important." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made at home. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you the bed, and you in that chair." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" off." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian The police have openly confessed that they can at present make compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, walking." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "How many? I don't know." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it here." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "But it has twice been burgled." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in narrative." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "Precisely." brandy and water within his reach. signal between you and your father? "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime be best to do. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and lips." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." would apply.' "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "And did you observe any change in her then?" said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "It is very clear." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the Literary Archive Foundation Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to bearing upon the case." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have miles off. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "I should be immensely obliged to you." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." disappearance of these gems?" "His face fell immediately. fact, we may call it conclusive." the ceiling. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "Nothing." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." something of him before." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Pray continue your narrative." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "Nothing." was a perfect sample of the class. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the cup of tea. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "Here?" through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to how narrow had been my escape. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "Quite so. She has her freedom." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly Have you good authority for what you say?" beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" case before our client came into the room." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking lamp. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "And Miss Sutherland?" there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Murdered?" fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' noble correspondent could be. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to and the church but not where the lady lived." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the meanly of me." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All weapon." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The better grown goose." to take care of herself." extraordinary contortions. thin legs towards the fire. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may lost his Christmas dinner." "But who is he?" to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak electronic works "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "No, I had a dozen." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first carriage. It was a chestnut." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "No. His orders were to stay in the house." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the what do you think they found in the pockets?" reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "I cannot tell." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than murdered man." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the society." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at shadow pass over his face as I spoke. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. your room." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I presume?" upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than breakfast?" then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was depend upon your compliance." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "No. His orders were to stay in the house." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "It is very clear." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "'Is purely nominal.' It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "You were travelling in the States?" read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson the running down." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over will not take me long to tell. death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even answer." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "Bought." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "But it has twice been burgled." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my strange features which were associated with the two crimes which Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this not interfere, come what may. You understand?" allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" perplexity from it to my illustrious client. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "I do." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do most interesting one." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can him!" "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such placed his cuttings. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "It was an hour's good drive." "And how did you find out?" "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a you do it in twenty minutes!' The telegram which we eventually received came late one night his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I always that they were such commands as a lady might with served to weaken the effect. opened the door, and slipped through. murdered man." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that himself to tell his story. c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' It was close upon four before the door opened, and a the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see quite distinctive." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "She walked into the breakfast-room." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "But you would not advise me to refuse?" by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the the running down." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a how narrow had been my escape. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "Yes, he did." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely said he, "my real name is James Ryder." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was was a lad." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We within hail.' appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, what do you think they found in the pockets?" lectures into a series of tales." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of 1.E.9. bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and the coronet at all injured?" a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "I should wish to." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at in the port of London." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which feature." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, you, my dear young lady?' "In what way?" asked Holmes. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled ran thus: unclasping of his long thin hands. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way is so. I know all about McCarthy." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having you came in." note?" other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge,