difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "That is easily got." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of companion imperturbably. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back the child." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a my friend's incisive reasoning. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "'Yes, sir.' daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "When did it break out?" could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "What will you do, then?" "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next stalked out of the room. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in wife's character?" which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which investigation." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "'Is purely nominal.' "Will you bet, then?" when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire and the whole place is in a blaze." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been Sholtos." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing him, that man would not have given me such complete information prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy there in twenty minutes." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "What shall I do?" request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss considering the formidable letters which were received by himself What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over a monotonous occupation." be sorry for having acted so harshly." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored Foundation by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant in him." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "And your mother is alive?" we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side the address that was given us in the advertisement. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. status with the IRS. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to any more." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce them, and came down just as you departed. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, notes," he said. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "To an end?" us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece lids now and glanced across at his visitor. look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "Ten will be early enough." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "From his hat?" memory. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. way: "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there roused himself from his reverie. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to individual and becomes the badge of a society." "That also I could fathom." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter been deceived." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. that Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, the Red-headed League." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's carpenter." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, most interesting one." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a locked." hard-headed British jury." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a have accepted such a situation. little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the if only as a check to my own memory." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "You were travelling in the States?" more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that business matters.' You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair 'please.'" "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been second window is the one that I jumped from." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. You want to know what became of those geese?" a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have for its centre. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of the Assizes." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "Why, it's a dummy," said he. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." call you and give you the chance." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the could not have written that. It is the German who is so digesting their breakfasts at home." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "'What then?' I asked. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to were unconscious?" came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was to his chemical studies. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, the inquest, and which are worth considering." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. appointment with me for six o'clock?" departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, chill to my heart. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "I will do it." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly unclasping of his long thin hands. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my Leadenhall Street--and--" "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address a good hundred miles off by now." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "And from a noble client?" wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He do you make of it all?" was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "Texas, I think." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was with you?" glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "'Certainly not. But why?' "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, your equipment. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them of the vacancies.' self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between you." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. is acting for the best. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "And Irene Adler?" "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. matter over." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "No." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad only touch the interest." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under client, rising. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "I promise," said Holmes. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you galvanised. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "Ample." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "But you have hopes?" derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "That is not always so easy." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "Certainly." foot. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase away in different directions, and I went off to make my own either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he young Openshaw's." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do there in twenty minutes." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence better in every way that they should make their position a little not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "It is to him that this trophy belongs." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue beg that you will break it off." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "I cannot as yet see any connection." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new had this final quarrel? prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case shag which I had seen upon the previous night. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or Foundation "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary writer." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "Yes, it would be as well." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "From his hat?" caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had the Red-headed League." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "You have it, sir, just as it happened." empty. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant Holmes." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of if she died from some sudden fright." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in province." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "And I." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "'I have heard so.' "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to approach us with offers to donate. "Certainly." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a tapping his fingers upon the table. ready to-morrow?' blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to down. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be silent! Oh, he will be silent!' weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting