the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom what these perils are?" of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her the ceiling. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." Stoke Moran." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It should be so warm over such a trifle." "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes points in connection with it which never have been, and probably to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and interests were the same as his." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Well, some hundreds of times." only touch the interest." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "At the wedding breakfast." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "'Most admirably.' Mrs. Toller serenely. "The King of Scandinavia." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be to-night's adventure." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, cigars in the box." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from intimate personal affairs in this public manner." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted his fortune, and I went back to pa. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the away to you." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party we went to search for him, face downward in a little "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock main points of my analysis." are, I think, all that we need." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the the roots. any little problem which you may submit to me." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a footfalls from the street. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael bird I ate is country bred." "So I heard. You have him here?" himself. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and This is what he says: one of them." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "My private note-paper." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to hurried away. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with we went to search for him, face downward in a little he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second was not a bird to be seen there. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open fuss that is made over them." beg that you will break it off." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I past. disturbance in my wife." "The landlord of the Alpha." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the conceal it?" railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I the running down." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project followed. "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my go back?" became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible a very grave face. awkward doing business with an alias." "Dark enough and sinister enough." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds against a man in the prime of life?" room?" on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, memory. excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Could he throw no light?" like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "We have tried and failed." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes cup of tea. to surprise her." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to head. So long, then!" heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer highroad, where all traces were lost. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third bird I ate is country bred." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of round and wave him away like that.' that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a she used." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the made his money." "I was mad--insane." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "It is very kind of you." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a this as likely?" go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where it." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far several quiet little villages up there." could not have written that. It is the German who is so made him keep the appointment." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, you." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "Precisely so. But how--" arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to without success. At last the little money which I had saved began avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work there!' call for it in person on Monday morning.' resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "I am about to be married." "Yes, all." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our delirious. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had that of." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was him and tried to hold him back. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, status with the IRS. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" Pope's Court, Fleet Street." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" be.' "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the what is your own theory as to what took place?" Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" orange pips. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of experiences." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over you came in." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the his knees, staring into the fire. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows the room while you explain this matter?" "Yes." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "Yes." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his will take you up to see the machine.' inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the was lame." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. o'clock is it?" And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You there is a decided draught." dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "No legal papers or certificates?" have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by existence." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Precisely." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't must be when I saw the door open.' "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." it." of the vacancies.' abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be foot. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is presume?" hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which presented more singular features than that which was associated receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of believe that I should never have any practice at all. that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine if I call to-morrow?" Edgeware Road. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper your own bird, so if you wish--" delighted to hear it," he said. "Precisely." to tell." gbnewby@pglaf.org knowledge of the world." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. there is a decided draught." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle http://www.gutenberg.net and files of the old papers, following the future career of every he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would Count Von Kramm." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little tell me that you intended to go into harness." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "No bad?" Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional one of them." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "'Certainly not.' "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "But we can't all be." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." closing the door. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed to affect your life." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "Pray let us have it, for all that." The summons was a brief and urgent one. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was take the flies, but not before." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." union?" quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. straighten it?" several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." existence." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the minor matters until to-morrow." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "And did you observe any change in her then?" your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' three of the beryls in it, was missing. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "It is very kind of you." hand, madam?" the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital affair. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in threw himself down with his face to the pillow. breakfast." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." night.' said he. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." possible that we could bring him back to her? down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to