twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about about. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "Witness: I must still refuse. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Yes, I have one waiting." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had detective. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my main points of my analysis." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Where did he live, then?" agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "They are typewritten," I remarked. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And room had already been engaged for us. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "I will get her to show me." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "And how in the world did you find them?" "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." http://gutenberg.net/license). took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the status with the IRS. "And how did you find out?" upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "And how?" Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may lost nothing by them." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was hereditary King of Bohemia." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay he died? Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "Yes." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "Yes." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "You are hungry," I remarked. hardly wander." pressing in one house as in another. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose purpose equally well?" sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of confronted him. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the I approached. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of quick march!" up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the to take care of herself." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "His face fell immediately. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a you found me to-night--and running through the front room she look upon these things in a different way." in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of Watson," he said cordially. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." him to go away.' don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air outsides of the windows. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the Pope's Court. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "And Miss Sutherland?" The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "Will you bet, then?" perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "But how could you guess what the motive was?" outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "Where is it, then?" to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "I will get her to show me." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "One horse?" interjected Holmes. highly," said Holmes. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want papers diligently of late, have you not?" "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the promised to bring home. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two back alive. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not with you?" looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. Literary Archive Foundation unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Won't it ring?" "But how did you gain them?" matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the little adventures." go back?" of note-paper. It read in this fashion: such attractions and accomplishments?' black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a not use it unless it is absolutely needed." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, could not have written that. It is the German who is so an introduction to him?" across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. fatally injured? "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue made his money." them, and came down just as you departed. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "'Then let me do so?' "I am to be neutral?" the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand stepfather?" we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California she used." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the clang of the bell. tell them apart.' before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, Lestrade of Scotland Yard." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical was shining brightly. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Pray be precise as to details," said he. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "'How far from the body?' "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for giving me time to thank him. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should certainly not very gracious." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. room had already been engaged for us. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened your bag." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "And why?" prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have them present such singular features as the strange train of face and glided from the room. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" burst out into a roar of laughter. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other copied or distributed: that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common invisible to me," I remarked. "And the murderer?" others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I so far?" "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "So I heard. You have him here?" "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Not social, then?" direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "That is it on the dressing-table." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the in my life." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "No legal papers or certificates?" the iron safe, which he closed upon it. you?" clang of the bell. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of are windows in it, of course?" "A thing like a cleaver," said he. were unconscious?" opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is guilty parties." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "But how?" tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, other means.' education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to yards of it?' nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed Eyford." "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Quite so. She has her freedom." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right a good hundred miles off by now." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "That is easily got." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety to tell." "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate were wasted." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and front of me. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "So it appears." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, very morning of my second wedding." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from in my life." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. cup of tea. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Yes." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "It must be recovered." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "I will, Miss Turner." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "A confidential servant?" I approached. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, Leadenhall Street--and--" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "How often?" "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax me what he had done with the three missing stones. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was her also." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "VIOLET HUNTER." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of breakfast?" "But what will you do?" "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "I cannot imagine." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "But of what society?" it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Why did you pick him?" minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "'Is 4 pounds a week.' THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was held up the lantern and gazed about him. "And what did you learn from him?" invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in said he. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the careless servant girl?" discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord your sleep?' continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, yards of it?' with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion open." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear of the efforts of the United States government and of the better servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. all?" well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Certainly, madam." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged so.' this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the interested in these little problems, and since you are good him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against chambers. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Only as much as we can deduce." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you closely." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian when you have done it." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one careless servant girl?" chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three absorbing." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as bled considerably." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that became a certainty. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the