"I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "How often?" myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little the house with me." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, better grown goose." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some 1.E.9. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue ways of our fellow-men." criminal. We have already had experience of such." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "Ten will be early enough." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. third from London." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "And how?" The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen appeared upon the scene." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of little adventures." The summons was a brief and urgent one. new duties?' "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite I. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. bare slabs of marble. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." before the coroner and the police-court." danger is over." digesting their breakfasts at home." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "His face fell immediately. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to drove away. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "Really! You surprise me." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the what do you think they found in the pockets?" better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. skylight. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was particular state visit http://pglaf.org together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. in a very precise fashion." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" lost his Christmas dinner." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the it." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you questionable one." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "Stolen." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' me what he had done with the three missing stones. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "When did it break out?" ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see Watson," he said cordially. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "Then I shall certainly come." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded your troubles." "Witness: Nothing definite. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "You know me, then?" "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled for its centre. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be 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 indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, clanging. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. discontent upon his features. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his likely to be some crony of the landlady's." this man was intellectual?" cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a crackling voice. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it get her out of the way." "An enemy?" address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our redistribution. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a which I could not give. He asked for Alice. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "And you thought he was pulled back?" quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up fishes. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, the child." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes directly by questioning you." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "But we can't all be." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "So I heard. You have him here?" young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "You were travelling in the States?" never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "The vanishing of the lady." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the begun to whiten, even as mine has." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "You were travelling in the States?" "She walked into the breakfast-room." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "It surprised me." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened Street. house for five minutes.' of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "I have come for advice." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, appointment with me for six o'clock?" "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened companion. "Then what has happened to him?" present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I my secret was safe in his possession. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was open." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as closely." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is get the tickets." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." exactly what you advise." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I forecastle of an emigrant ship. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case the warnings." client, rising. a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and events than those which have happened in my own family." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Bought." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we becomes even more simple." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white directly by questioning you." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "That is not always so easy." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "No." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "And how?" a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; of receipt of the work. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in father's place of business?" that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman round with crates and massive boxes. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence leave you to your papers for a little." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into discontent upon his features. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and are, I think, all that we need." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "Can I be of assistance?" was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "What is it, then--a fire?" "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "The King of Scandinavia." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that stood on the top of it. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest ill-usage at the hands of fortune. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent examine." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" observed. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really which it had come upon my father." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock learned something! Where are the gems?" wall." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during will be renamed. distinguish the words: elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is with her." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' it right.' heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in and a shock of very red hair. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "I shall most certainly do so." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "What have you done?" asked Holmes. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "In the cells." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself writing, and yet I know it well." "'I am sure that I do not know.' line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, shoulder; "he's all right." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and as he folded up the epistle. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A hardly wander." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your definite end. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, Eyford at 11:15.' client, rising. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "How long did she speak to this Alice?" unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "Yes, they were peculiar boots." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were comes from the middle window." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Not particularly." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; for its centre. a monotonous occupation." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "If I can be of use." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "To ruin me." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, seem to you to be relevant or not." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Why, it's a dummy," said he. where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "In the cells." "I do." the station." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the presume?" that before taking the final step I should like to submit the to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining noting anything else of interest. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at and the whole place is in a blaze." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was it." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Has he come with you to-night?" thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see extraordinary contortions. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance used to be." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had least a most suspicious remark." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious were new raised from a basin. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "I am about to be married." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark