through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker not as remarkable as your advertisement." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly to where he stood hid behind the curtain. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did his eyes and forehead. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "But what will you do?" some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' and a shock of very red hair. intrusion of other matters." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to some mystery and the punishment of some crime." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? you." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a affair. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for house for five minutes.' "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Here?" them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Oh, yes, easily." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. trying to your nerves." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" points to suicide?" corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to Munro.' methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only ceremony." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis October 9, 1890. so.' "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "It looks newer than the other things?" electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." strode off upon his way. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with recover the gem." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "Quite so." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your particular state visit http://pglaf.org seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "Pray tell us what has happened to you." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand there!' her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. I was concerned in it." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less head. So long, then!" "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "She will not sell." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "How can you tell that?" therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "You are all wrong." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any purpose of examination. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "On your arm?" relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of ceremony." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his whole matter to your consideration." Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came dates and names. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "Yes, from Horsham." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Yes." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up window when the police appeared." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out you for a few hours?" we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never read over the extraordinary announcement. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were hard-headed British jury." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank a room. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "She showed me, as I told you she would." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "And you don't know his address?" while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Yes." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I redistribution. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "'Certainly not. But why?' drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that away to you." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. London for the present?" "That is possible." outsides of the windows. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." the salesman. went to the Alpha were town bred." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to interested in these little problems, and since you are good as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in the coronet at all injured?" telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Nothing." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Yes." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is along the entire front of the house, with three long windows go from here to the Strand." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "Ah!" rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "'Not at all. I only doubt--' problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and http://www.gutenberg.net remarked. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, conceal it?" to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" she used." was shining brightly. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of walking." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of purpose of examination. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in my little problems." way: uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my point our research must commence, and we will begin it by Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall row." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "But you would not advise me to refuse?" may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "That sounds a little paradoxical." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the distance from the station, and there we found the young lady to you." "My Mary? Impossible!" absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we a little more before I quite committed myself. "I will, Miss Turner." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter at my own good fortune. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." that he has suffered." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "In San Francisco, a year ago." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which all that?" in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" your only hope of safety." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "Whose house is it?" skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent matter." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of whole matter to your consideration." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can may have an influence upon European history." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. from the brougham. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "Just look it up, then." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "You know me, then?" other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Where to?" handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even Have you good authority for what you say?" to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your posted to-day." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used of fine shops and stately business premises that they really Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of grasp, he hurried from the room. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "Oh, fresh and glossy." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no for its centre. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an pressing in one house as in another. unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly if only as a check to my own memory." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." as yours." my room." call for protection in the marriage market, for the present sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is humiliation." The summons was a brief and urgent one. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "No, my brougham is waiting." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in late." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade some water from a caraffe. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Yes." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his to change my dress. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "What! a murderous attack?" ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be salesman. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "But his left-handedness." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. hair?' painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "No more words. Get out!" I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I it." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their views." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, copied or distributed: it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Quite so." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a it? Did I buy the geese off you?" garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob this truth that in these little records of our cases which you and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "But it has twice been burgled." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my of a light. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the carriage. It was a chestnut." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing now. It seems that there had been some informality about their was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such kind enough to tell me what I should do." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There the bed, and you in that chair." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "Well, some hundreds of times." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it during that time.' "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where as yours." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to cup of tea. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you Surrey." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness obstinate." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of