very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low if only as a check to my own memory." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my touch that coronet?' determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Murdered?" began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "I promise," said Holmes. roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "No, I think that I'll take it." danger is over." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I everything which you would wish to know." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly as noiselessly as she had come. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few said I. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no at a side door. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "And you can do nothing until then?" "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' been with you?" letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "You think that he is dead?" "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking happened." client, rising. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he I. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "Then, as to money?" "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my one's self under obligations.' ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' the room while you explain this matter?" the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "In which, sir?" it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which get her out of the way." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a where we are going." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to ceremony." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his morning." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "But his lameness?" gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Is he quiet?" Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of chance at all." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the little trying to do so much typewriting?" practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "None." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "Nothing." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Yes." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off furiously. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend this remarkable episode. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his mysterious end." mystery." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "If I can be of use." the ceiling. unprecedented a position." wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the enter into my head. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair awaited us upon the table. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive do.' "'As governess?' have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter Eyford." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her and capable of preserving a secret.' and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "No, thank goodness, she did not." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not there has been an enclosure here!" started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "I am all attention, madam." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with never to learn it at all." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "But how could you guess what the motive was?" go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought them, and came down just as you departed. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" drove away. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his back alive. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "'And the work?' "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's purpose of examination. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be God! What an exposure! What can I do?" conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would the best of training." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "By no means." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big soul! here is her carriage at the door." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it The events in question occurred in the early days of my memory. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it o'clock is it?" street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "How did that help you?" of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "Very truly yours, "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I it." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "I cannot tell." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master are windows in it, of course?" writer." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. overpowering excitement and concern. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "I am to be neutral?" "Not him." my friend's incisive reasoning. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. you?' "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees in the hope of finding them." allusion to a rat. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have upon the shelf for the interim." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "No. His orders were to stay in the house." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you the coronet at all injured?" us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a within hail.' without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right My friend smiled. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and to a light-house. telegram would bring me down to your help." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" Henry Baker is a member." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It anything to do with the matter?" photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have to a light-house. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the pictures, libraries, or plate. anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "Yes." and laid it on the table. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "But his lameness?" give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds nights." young Openshaw's." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Certainly, madam." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan what these perils are?" "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good business." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no for the market.' "Pray be precise as to details," said he. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the be sorry for having acted so harshly." Where does the thing come from?' "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "'Certainly,' I answered. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, would apply.' "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life the Red-headed League." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy lids now and glanced across at his visitor. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from the King without delay." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his business." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped nights." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Then you may entirely rely on me." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Absolutely?" brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, suddenly upon us." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate it." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up is now desirous of getting those letters back." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he a suggestive one." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "My dear Holmes!" enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major this unhappy family?" but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest fasten all the windows?" ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" lamp in his hand. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Dirty?" wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." acquaintance?" it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am tell them apart.' and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "What then?" "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "A greater distance to travel." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his these bleak autumnal evenings." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "Not particularly." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "I shall most certainly do so." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. and the whole place is in a blaze." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "And from a noble client?" "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That trying to your nerves." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you lectures into a series of tales." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray done what I asked you, Jones?" finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "But his lameness?" strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were any." and no precautions can guard against." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "My photograph." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes relief. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady the Assizes." matter." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "No." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "I should like to see him very much." coroner's jury." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel in your London, you will know that the office of the company is envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's companion. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Where, indeed?" "I do." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in come either from the window or the door. My attention was A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from The note was undated, and without either signature or address. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "It is his hat." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed