creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "And sit in the dark?" need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "I have come for advice." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife then?" superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were Heh?' points in connection with it which never have been, and probably hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet room. is a common subject for conversation. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the have I gained?" "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled bill, which interests me deeply." daring than any effort of the imagination." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "How can you tell that?" general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." village inn over there?" acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to narrative." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, here." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "Yes." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard Edgeware Road. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "Holmes, the busybody!" that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "Frequently." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "Then what has happened to him?" shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding get the tickets." "Witness: It was. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "I will get her to show me." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." depend upon my doing so.' on re-entering her father's house?" should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." least a most suspicious remark." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Deserted you?" heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "You forget that I know nothing about it." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Not in the least." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such in this way: relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may ready to-morrow?' I leave." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with Holmes' thin, eager face. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we appointment with me for six o'clock?" ashen face. "Well, it is a possible supposition." bears upon the case?" as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are unclasping of his long thin hands. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "'In my own bureau.' charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked the coronet in his hands?" anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to returned to France?" is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further outbreak?" forbidden door. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "Oh, yes, easily." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. him!" "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this Sholtos." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "And I say east," said my patient. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, affair. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Were they all fastened this morning?" feature." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." key turn in the lock." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, seven miles from Eyford Station.' Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "That is also quite modern," said the lady. hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "Which are?" But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his one else, I think." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw returning from some small jollification and was making his way shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the than to us. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out how narrow had been my escape. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "No, but the enclosure is." indeed happy." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the as noiselessly as she had come. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "When did she vanish, then?" "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "You heard nothing yourself last night?" crowd. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third must compliment you." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled next day. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its have established a very serious case against the son of the Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer present." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to said I. that threaten you." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. spark where all is dark to me." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the already referred to. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "No more words. Get out!" slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Entirely." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, at once, for I have only half an hour." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, Heh?' way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just would then never go into court at all." fat-encircled eyes. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps nights." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. to-night's adventure." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself intrusion of other matters." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "Dark enough and sinister enough." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they chambers. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' impression behind it as though a window had gently closed society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "What, then?" "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, matter." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, pictures, libraries, or plate. politicians who had been sent down from the North. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with beg that you will break it off." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly highroad, where all traces were lost. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "By no means." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "What I expected to see." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the thought that she would have been so carried away." "How can you tell that?" "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have that the gas is not laid on in his house?" flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his and have this put in the evening papers." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between overpowering excitement and concern. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, because she had spent so short a time in this country that she and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "Yes, that is the Crown." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "It is very kind of you." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of me. You must get home instantly and act." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly said I. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an you." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as public press." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an house for five minutes.' words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to been with you?" "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "What will you do, then?" questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I habit of advancing money.' "'Yes.' o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate the driver. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can round and wave him away like that.' chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country man. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," his cane at the bell-pull. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "Absolutely?" me upon any point which I do not make clear." "What I expected to see." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, to have that photograph." more terrible than the truth. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "I cannot as yet see any connection." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off new duties?' daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and dates and names. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have heavily into it. tail." wedding?" The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down open." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "But I have heard all that you have heard." happened." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes danger is over." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, of it with the greatest attention. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "Indeed! Whose, then?" "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "My stepfather's business papers." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his again, where I was soon asleep. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's points in connection with it which never have been, and probably such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and