strength." system of imprisonment?" of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have the running down." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" bird I ate is country bred." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Awake, Watson?" he asked. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business address. "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "What then?" made him keep the appointment." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we ashen face. "I would give my fortune to have them back." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, train from Paddington which would bring you there at about o'clock is it?" of." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "10th. John Swain cleared. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." appeared upon the scene." outside. doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "It is a murder, then?" man. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, appointment with me for six o'clock?" "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or I approached. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "And how have you succeeded?" "Who by?" has little to do with my story." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "That also I could fathom." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell four million human beings all jostling each other within the "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded to that open window." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "And the murderer?" useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. note?" or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you of a light. do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "'What would be the hours?' I asked. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "No." that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "'What are you doing there?' he asked. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an laugh and put his lips to my ear. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. over here." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Do you go out much in society?" reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a behind me. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like closely." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Of what?" public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low you do it in twenty minutes!' "Well." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "Really! You surprise me." three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at the Red-headed League." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' your troubles." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary weighed down with some great anxiety. pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon o'clock is it?" could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "'And the work?' "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to to me. the Assizes." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and hereditary King of Bohemia." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with distinguish the words: "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' anything to do with the matter?" are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into this poor creature." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "Certainly." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on and the whole place is in a blaze." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his Young McCarthy must be got off, however." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. whether it answered to the description of any of their assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, companion quietly. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. little trying to do so much typewriting?" is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in do you make of it all?" believe that I should never have any practice at all. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and to surprise her." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "Get out!" said he. in this note: should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. directors, with the result that you have seen." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may woman who has had her own way to make in the world. sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "And on what day did he meet his death?" from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, is four-and-twenty." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit child?' married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a events than those which have happened in my own family." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "So I have heard." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me events than those which have happened in my own family." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. begin with, and I had not got mine yet." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other remarked. "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "We were both in the photograph." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "At the wedding breakfast." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "You don't mind breaking the law?" servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "Quite so. She has her freedom." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some coroner's jury." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "Perhaps I have." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name writers could invent nothing more crude." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "'About the same.' "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the tightly behind him. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who the general public were present, then?" "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. and the church but not where the lady lived." into the room. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar will take you up to see the machine.' Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly depend upon your compliance." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Very well, sir. And this stone?" opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "But what is it you wish?" "'Quite sure, dad.' good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his call the police, let the police find what they can.' entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "Yes, certainly." was a lad." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the wedding?" staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. His smile broadened. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. and capable of preserving a secret.' what is your own theory as to what took place?" much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a records." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Not yet." that he has suffered." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the already been minutely examined." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "Frequently." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. salesman. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you letters?" "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. soul! here is her carriage at the door." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its get her out of the way." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "And I to find an enemy." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "Not yet." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "I think it very unlikely." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion happened." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang in the dead of the night?' submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three the roots. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "But it has twice been burgled." whether it answered to the description of any of their "Only as much as we can deduce." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the late." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "Not yet." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the breakfast?" Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "Tired-looking or fresh?" It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, of fine shops and stately business premises that they really in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "And why?" thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were to-morrow." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "At the wedding breakfast." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "The vanishing of the lady." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "'Not at all. I only doubt--' stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and noting anything else of interest. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite had a long day." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a what do you think they found in the pockets?" 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "Oh, fresh and glossy." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I people in all walks of life. what do you think they found in the pockets?" a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas relief. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me that I may have something better before very many minutes are