"Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "You have it, sir, just as it happened." photograph?" "No." gone. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "And did you observe any change in her then?" a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "That is possible." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and back into the street. tapping his fingers upon the table. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" tear off another piece?' metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Married! When?" lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a gigantic client. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "She walked into the breakfast-room." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds himself to hunt down. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his walking." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them Munro.' round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "I don't believe it." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "How on earth--" agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I some terrible trap for her." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "Dark enough and sinister enough." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, most interesting one." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we there were one or two details which were new to me. But the fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the and no precautions can guard against." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought companion imperturbably. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a Where does the thing come from?' "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass standing smiling on the door-step. wall." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "I see many objections to any such theory." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "You have it, sir, just as it happened." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for as this. Pray let me have the details." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "But you can know nothing of this?" central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "What! a murderous attack?" "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "You saw the ventilator, too?" "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own in one or two places in England?' Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland went to the Alpha were town bred." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body of the efforts of the United States government and of the better journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of it." could go. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, been anything against him. He had for years been known as a from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "By no means." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic photograph?" nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness house for five minutes.' signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "The vanishing of the lady." "I have solved it." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. an introduction to him?" the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "What! Had he lost his wife?" "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." again." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "But how?" occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these silent! Oh, he will be silent!' Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a most interesting one." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a light and attacked it." "I cannot tell." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. the stones. "You saw the ventilator, too?" typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his married her." gives a meaning to it." all that?" a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof business?" naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at putting in the horse. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, sound at heart." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose I approached. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott giving me time to thank him. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." only touch the interest." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "The vanishing of the lady." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that throat." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. meant." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Which surely he restored to their owner?" village inn over there?" can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." could gather together that I was able to avert another public shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or that I am arrested." key turn in the lock." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its light and attacked it." be. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, nonsense.' "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for coat-tails." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "'Yes, I promise.' and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "What steps will you take?" I asked. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "No." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "But to whom?" upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "It is true that I have been generally successful." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, ourselves in the office." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the other lovers by making love himself." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should it. upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was bore every mark of being an average commonplace British a suggestive one." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' orange pips. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but new acquaintance to Baker Street. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "That sounds a little paradoxical." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. Leadenhall Street--and--" "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a The note was undated, and without either signature or address. the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "And your mother is alive?" astonishment. "I am sure." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no now. It seems that there had been some informality about their nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made all that?" instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after fishes. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can papers." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put of your young ladies.' heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "Not in a good cause." carried out of court." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "Which are?" Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "And Irene Adler?" "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence directors have had misgivings upon the subject." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Well, but China?" just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his do.' neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" them?" "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you heavy and sharp instrument." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from whether it answered to the description of any of their those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they late!' "And on what day did he meet his death?" "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most few hundred pounds.' quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "Was he the only applicant?" "His face fell immediately. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "No." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "It came here." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "But of what society?" "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the them?" tell him that I know him to be innocent." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "The gentleman I describe." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the excitement. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I that he has suffered." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Never." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very me. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Ample." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "Proceed, then." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "She told me to ask you." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. his eyes and forehead. "But what harm can there be in that?" about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "One of his hands." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "I cannot as yet see any connection." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions question you as to those details which seem to me to be most beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "May I see it?" from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "And why?" "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his know all about it," he snarled. joking. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a happened." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the address. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "Then I do not see the point." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. you in yours." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this I took the paper from him and read as follows: smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. at once, for I have only half an hour." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age criminal. We have already had experience of such." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He an introduction to him?" "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it unprofitable." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a business matters.' "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "But how?" enter Dr. Roylott's room." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "Well, it is a possible supposition." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and the little opening for the ventilator is." hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "But his left-handedness." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "The doctor?" heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with chance." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the chamber." asked. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after Serpentine Avenue. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "What shall I do?" from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Ten will be early enough." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was the night.' be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." good-night and bustled off upon her way. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "Certainly." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the