to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the and shall probably return to London by the evening train." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "She showed me, as I told you she would." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass was not a bird to be seen there. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you be. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to and I shall be with you presently." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly British peeress.'" wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was the nursery. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook Literary Archive Foundation "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. go from here to the Strand." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "What can it mean?" I gasped. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here this unhappy family?" "I will not look." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "And sit in the dark?" your troubles." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to to have been novel and of interest." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "That is unusual in a young girl." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "And help." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than rooms." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on not, dad?" she asked. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "'As governess?' should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon with you?" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as people in all walks of life. "I cannot say that I have." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or bird I ate is country bred." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Ah!" hereditary King of Bohemia." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its dear old homesteads?" the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, matters immensely." to have that photograph." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "Why serious?" first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off for and were ordered to this address. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may door?" "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no putting in the horse. "It is a murder, then?" Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "'I have already given you my word.' Eyford at 11:15.' "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "And how?" furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you dead, shall be safe with us." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." people in all walks of life. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely http://www.gutenberg.net hour?' main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered coat-tails." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "You did not overhear what they said?" compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "And I say east," said my patient. asked. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "Was your sister dressed?" Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found is worth.' from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." woman." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "Come in!" said Holmes. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have States. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was awkward doing business with an alias." your equipment. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera disturbance in my wife." present." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. already been minutely examined." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "You have the photograph?" 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental prepare for the new role I have to play." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Certainly." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of you want, then?' 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been night.' said he. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point his wife has ceased to love him." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but matters immensely." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the all-comprehensive glances. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and case before our client came into the room." Project Gutenberg-tm works. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more get her out of the way." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "'Ten to two.' "You are all wrong." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to residence of the great financier. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter straightened it out again. it." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." believe that I should never have any practice at all. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small call it cruel." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "It is very kind of you." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "This concluded the examination of the witness." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "Yes, that is the Crown." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon putting in the horse. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY felt the room to be a little close.' he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." to-morrow." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little round with crates and massive boxes. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. lost nothing by them." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few Young McCarthy must be got off, however." have had none more fantastic than this." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. with frightened eyes at his accuser. o'clock is it?" has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that giving me time to thank him. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "Come in!" said he. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "'A dozen yards or so.' national property. I was determined that the law should have its most interesting one." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been Young McCarthy must be got off, however." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "It was an hour's good drive." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "I have solved it." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "None." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Yes, it was twisted." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "Will you bet, then?" have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Two days later this same performance was gone through under is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. people in all walks of life. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the your troubles." discontent upon his features. "My dear Holmes!" there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "My Mary? Impossible!" eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium chair. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties side. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked mystery." Doctor, of the paper and the date." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this few hundred pounds.' temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered populous neighbourhood." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the shall use the carriage to-night." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "In what way?" asked Holmes. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always there were so many in the whole country as were brought together wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." the King without delay." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no characteristics, but those are the more obvious." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "A greater distance to travel." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "Well?" housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the like that before?" if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to waste of energy." permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." invisible to me," I remarked. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "Yes, it was twisted." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian security.' "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, it? Did I buy the geese off you?" question. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg crime. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking any." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "'Ample.' his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "And it is--" side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "It must be recovered." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I and wait." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I the window, rose as we entered. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "You have but to name it." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway the running down." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To about here speaks of his kindness to him." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge astonishment. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that if only as a check to my own memory." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "Not yet." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the on in his house." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which at my own good fortune. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Could he throw no light?" was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return begin with, and I had not got mine yet." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at this as likely?" this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the