by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat chill to my heart. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "No. What a strange idea!" Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my them, and came down just as you departed. "Is he quiet?" little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" would then never go into court at all." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a Count Von Kramm." http://gutenberg.net/license). "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "I say it is." Holmes' room. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "I never have." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would noise which awoke you from your sleep?" pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular to surprise her." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock It may be so in this case, also." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is question," said Holmes, smiling. my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "It is very kind of you." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of to that open window." Holmes. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his or other trace. But how on earth--" should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they at my remark. which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "'Stolen!' he cried. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! that threaten you." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle point in the dark hollow of his hand. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his neither fascinating nor artistic." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "How do you know, then?" Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Yes." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," the address that was given us in the advertisement. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were became a certainty. bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to me. You must get home instantly and act." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; it." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, Sholtos." ordinary clothes on?" Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "Where, indeed?" passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and fluttered off among the others. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "And is that all?" what do you think they found in the pockets?" watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in The summons was a brief and urgent one. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic hurried away. my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The remarked. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." for securing the situation." little adventures." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such face and glided from the room. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email business." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "'What, the red-headed man?' black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever horse could go." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been some city in a dream. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the cup of tea. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "That also I could fathom." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Upon what point?" expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows question you as to those details which seem to me to be most think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "Always." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "I am in hopes that she does." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "Then you may be so with me." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers the side-table." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Where is it, then?" his face. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "Get out!" said he. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. had this final quarrel? eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her girl said." get the tickets." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of retorted upon me, and I on you." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "Not yet." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my in the hope of finding them." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door acted in my house last night?" "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "Texas, I think." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am careless servant girl?" the armchair which I pushed forward for him. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in beg that you will break it off." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I there!' God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "'Very good.' whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "By no means." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, mystery!" The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "Here?" slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, papers diligently of late, have you not?" practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "Why, what do you mean?" "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His Watson," he said cordially. down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "'Yes, sir.' against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of the bottom.' if I call to-morrow?" young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Only as much as we can deduce." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "No." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you more terrible than the truth. "He said too much." woman." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "You know me, then?" thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have of receipt of the work. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "Yes." Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself envelope. open." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he suddenly upon us." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "I warn you that they are very incomplete." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and front of the hall door has given its name to the place. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him back into the street. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Yes." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "What! Had he lost his wife?" against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Thank you. Pray proceed." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with matter." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt my special province." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small coat-tails." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like a monotonous occupation." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which good for you to do.' he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "I answered that I had not. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. could go. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, conduct the inquiry." address. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Yes, they were peculiar boots." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been lamp in his hand. whereabouts. finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Whose house is it?" thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I anything to do with the matter?" the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the the south-west, I see." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with shadow pass over his face as I spoke. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it Eyford." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Breckinridge is his name." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. already been minutely examined." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Who by?" "What is it, then--a fire?" has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "To ruin me." amused." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "9th. McCauley cleared. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "No." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE as yours." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of been with you?" "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "'I have heard so.' the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "Can I be of assistance?" case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to that before taking the final step I should like to submit the from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would there were one or two details which were new to me. But the fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of away into the river." attention." "I say it is." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. have established a very serious case against the son of the purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, gentleman's clothes.