her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so his huge brown hands. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had McCarthy." "I have hopes." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which gone. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in but preventing her from injuring another. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have infinite languor in his face. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "You think that he is dead?" and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up do.' she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "None." would then never go into court at all." "Come in!" said Holmes. the little opening for the ventilator is." copied or distributed: wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the matters immensely." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, leaning back in his chair. "What?" overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "How did that help you?" "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. know what is wrong with it.' "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Stolen." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he from you?" "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was roused himself from his reverie. the address that was given us in the advertisement. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. the tragedy. and the church but not where the lady lived." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, against a man in the prime of life?" are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "One horse?" interjected Holmes. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "And now?" I asked. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I been shamefully used." brain must have something in it." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he own family. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said the nursery. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right your room." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer fire. You quite follow me?" to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. some city in a dream. dramatic, in fact." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be this remarkable episode. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is time." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "What is it?" providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "None. Neville wrote those words." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means over part of the map. "What do you read?" answer." "Imitated." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "What shall I do?" Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "I guessed as much." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "Seven!" I answered. in this way: meant." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under see me here to avoid scandal." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "The knees of his trousers." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "What of the rat, then?" been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "From his hat?" Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "Nearly eleven." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and of your young ladies.' touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, attention." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "We must have a cab." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my rooms." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. copied or distributed: returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the shoulder. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "You don't mind breaking the law?" made him keep the appointment." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "Yes." generous with you in money matters.' walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner late!' voice, changing her seat as requested. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my throat." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found hereditary King of Bohemia." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, meanly of me." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the and files of the old papers, following the future career of every over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "Not in a good cause." evidence," I remarked. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "'There is a drive, then?' "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Yes." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under come either from the window or the door. My attention was the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that if she died from some sudden fright." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle in the dead of the night?' the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the open." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. letters?" an introduction to him?" "My dear Holmes!" of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to McCarthy." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I fuss that is made over them." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her me upon any point which I do not make clear." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "We must sit without light. He would see it through the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "I cannot imagine." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One recall any case within my experience which looked at the first that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "Upon what point?" would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most morning." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "It is very kind of you." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "It came here." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. his grey eyes. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. in the port of London." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "That's no good." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, generous with you in money matters.' "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first a room. conduct the inquiry." occupations.' "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer papers diligently of late, have you not?" light and attacked it." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Was the window open?" endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "Was there a secret marriage?" to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, awaited us upon the table. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as do." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. be.' 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "What?" reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "Nothing." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "By train from Waterloo." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and the coronet at all injured?" "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, The telegram which we eventually received came late one night the Assizes." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. the bed, and you in that chair." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in their singular warning or token before them when starting upon four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about particular state visit http://pglaf.org passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by death." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your Arthur Conan Doyle Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest floor. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "But how will you look?" "Precisely." call it cruel." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "We must sit without light. He would see it through the I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "I promise," said Holmes. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and His name is Francis Prosper." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was them?" and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has main points of my analysis." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when gentleman's clothes. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out point in the dark hollow of his hand. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and be sorry for having acted so harshly." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned memory. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "I am to be neutral?" "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more disappearance of these gems?" "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." least a most suspicious remark." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these points in connection with it which never have been, and probably prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice singular points about the case. What did the police think of the said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. would apply.' "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the it? Did I buy the geese off you?" the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter chance at all." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "My dear Holmes!" "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could that will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "And when will you call?" With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, bed dies. Does not that strike you?" Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and one's self under obligations.' works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he your only hope of safety." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, secret." six. Come in!" "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two page at http://pglaf.org "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no