"Yes, they were peculiar boots." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "The King of Scandinavia." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of stammered. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite stepfather?" to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. Does that suggest anything?" for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun you, my dear young lady?' "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely 1.E.9. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he of the way of danger. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. forbidden door. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" place of silver." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be past. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "A confidential servant?" computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "'Never.' engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "An enemy?" obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation had picked up in the wood. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to chemical work which was so dear to him. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which some place of shelter and let the county police know what has of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I do.' trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the keep the flames under. "One?" could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by experiences." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be McCarthy." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "You saw the ventilator, too?" they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my me. You must get home instantly and act." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "A thing like a cleaver," said he. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some once more to my work. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a and put his glass in his pocket. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, goes." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his over part of the map. "What do you read?" already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf passage and a tap at the door. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "How did he come?" end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. The events in question occurred in the early days of my something of him before." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you cheerful." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the walking." locked." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' fire. You quite follow me?" "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "And your mother is alive?" could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she is entirely a question of barometric pressure." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case case before our client came into the room." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil arms and began to sob in a high treble key. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few way in." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying father's place of business?" dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "Won't it ring?" and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his It was close upon four before the door opened, and a them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes second." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their strode off upon his way. little trying to do so much typewriting?" "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of your billet.' Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all recover the gem." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "How are you getting on?" 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which Watson," he said cordially. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four Pool. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "Seven!" I answered. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "No bad?" following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Yes, the wine-cellar." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "You are all wrong." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and sake, don't!" There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an will find little credit to be gained out of this case." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Was she in good spirits?" cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." I shall continue with my miserable story. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social forecastle of an emigrant ship. with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification man. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything of Mr. Rucastle's." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day The police have openly confessed that they can at present make stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us him!" carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "The vanishing of the lady." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" and glanced through. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are miles off. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "Where, then, is my wife?" tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' with frightened eyes at his accuser. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "I don't say that. Perhaps." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George Sutherland. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known just called myself is not exactly my own." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a bonnet, and went out." "No." pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will to-night?' "The King of Scandinavia." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could purpose of examination. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup ways of our fellow-men." seven miles from Eyford Station.' "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, on re-entering her father's house?" the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "An accident, I presume?" favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always to me. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he to go into your room and bar your shutters?" purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to beyond words. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was His smile broadened. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "My Mary? Impossible!" standing smiling on the door-step. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he himself to hunt down. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "But I have heard all that you have heard." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Dr. Becher's." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo forebodings. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan go back?" more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another been lifted and conveyed somewhere." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a the dangers which encompass me." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a searched, without anything being found which could incriminate Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the certainly not very gracious." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "None." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings see me here to avoid scandal." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and to-night?" I asked. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "Do you go out much in society?" "I would pay ten." more terrible than the truth. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. made him keep the appointment." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "One horse?" interjected Holmes. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should the nursery. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and business." I am not easy in my mind about them." coat-tails." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and to some other building. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "You have carte blanche." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Who was the criminal, then?" The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "Nothing." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning My friend smiled. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He observed. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "The rest you will leave in our hands." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I gentleman's clothes. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no in his hands." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Who by?" Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on pictures, libraries, or plate. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler rooms." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Never to return." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "What are they?" "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this