front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to to tackle the facts." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "It is a murder, then?" "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them daring than any effort of the imagination." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror to you." "By no means." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. the night.' "It certainly sounds feasible." should be so warm over such a trifle." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that husband's writing, madam." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as there." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "If I can be of use." might have a private word with us. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "I was certainly surprised to find you there." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." best detective that ever lived. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob their singular warning or token before them when starting upon know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "My Mary? Impossible!" A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "An accident, I presume?" then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid sofa. This way, please!" to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left when your master had gone out." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the interest. They are important, you understand, without being the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That learned something! Where are the gems?" admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "Dark enough and sinister enough." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to business at Coburg Square is serious." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "I am about to be married." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, future lives." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before tightly behind him. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "No, I had a dozen." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no bonnet, and went out." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in 'please.'" companion quietly. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "How did that help you?" going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." do." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "Ten will be early enough." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking It was close upon four before the door opened, and a nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose Mrs. Toller serenely. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Was your sister dressed?" "What office?" was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most 11:15.' and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "'You cannot say what it was?' in one or two places in England?' third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "'And the work?' my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his his grey eyes. "Certainly." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Is he quiet?" the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "Oh, fresh and glossy." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more Holmes. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in in this way: down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "Then you may be so with me." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few the warnings." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "And Irene Adler?" Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "Where, indeed?" one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "What is it?" light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the returning from some small jollification and was making his way business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you like that before?" "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in works. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to License. You must require such a user to return or said he at last. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. strength of mind to control. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains of Mr. Rucastle's." father's place of business?" either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "Nothing." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the sentimental considerations in the background which would induce a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "You did not overhear what they said?" the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. eavesdroppers?' matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "And why in hopes?" seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Very truly yours, "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "He said too much." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead comes from the middle window." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded strong and stiff." "One of the highest in England." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "'It is locked up,' I answered. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with yet." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself did not hear it also.' "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "I beg pardon." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "My Mary? Impossible!" "No bad?" and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "No good news?" which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is wanted for ourselves." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me Holmes." "To ruin me." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of soul! here is her carriage at the door." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own floor. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "'Never.' the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "9th. McCauley cleared. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. leave you to your papers for a little." "'And the work?' it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." know what is wrong with it.' Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. for the market.' understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished I think that I could be of assistance to you." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "My photograph." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "And on what day did he meet his death?" brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this geese which you supplied to the Alpha." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I wedding?" to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both sake, don't!" could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew my little problems." might help us?" breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The some water from a caraffe. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 You want to know what became of those geese?" collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "One of his hands." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of and have this put in the evening papers." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. again before evening." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "I was afraid that you were engaged." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "What, then?" "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be strode off upon his way. "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be case-book, which he consulted. "Not social, then?" walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless gigantic client. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' frequently gained my first real insight into the character of low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark prisoner's face. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to he died? roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of you." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "No, I am descending." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "No." acquaintance?" that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble row." "I cannot imagine." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "Yes, it was twisted." ago." the window, rose as we entered. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire John Swain, of St. Augustine. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "No, I think that I'll take it." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he client, rising. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their noble correspondent could be. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into the coroner come to?" the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him more terrible than the truth. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "What are they?" "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he dramatic, in fact." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. shall not find me ungrateful." ready to-morrow?' beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of that I may have something better before very many minutes are down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "She told me to ask you." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. October 9, 1890. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's the bottom.' "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "'Tell me all about it,' said I. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: was keenly on my guard against him. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the way in everything. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss telegram would bring me down to your help." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "In heaven's name, what for?"