at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the IS enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. Surrey." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped definite end. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." during which he might have communicated with his friend the hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a case-book, which he consulted. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and silent! Oh, he will be silent!' enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend morning." "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and very morning of my second wedding." again on its way. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake through." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think felt?" a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Of what?" "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon was keenly on my guard against him. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "That sounds a little paradoxical." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, memory. indiscretion." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "How long did she speak to this Alice?" front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "This concluded the examination of the witness." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Did you become engaged then?" Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was 11:15.' VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to time." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his side. "And on what day did he meet his death?" appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire The telegram which we eventually received came late one night few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this My friend smiled. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. woman." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third instituted." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must papers diligently of late, have you not?" instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "And your father? Did you tell him?" "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" house for five minutes.' Holmes." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we the Assizes." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." is," said he presently: Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. the so-precious time, but come!' Literary Archive Foundation The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "And how in the world did you find them?" fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action invisible to me," I remarked. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, tapping his fingers upon the table. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have reach." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these client, rising. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies criminal. We have already had experience of such." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "You horrify me." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, could not account in any way for the presence of the missing the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something was lame." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, have an American origin." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the approach us with offers to donate. were new raised from a basin. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is perplexity from it to my illustrious client. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I and files of the old papers, following the future career of every and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "It was." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "Yes." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon is now desirous of getting those letters back." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. British peeress.'" resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little village inn over there?" on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest him. noting anything else of interest. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Your French gold?" father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and have accepted such a situation. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "'I shall certainly be there.' "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. new acquaintance to Baker Street. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "Certainly, madam." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good way in everything. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "So I am. Very much so." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "Yes, from Horsham." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "It is true that I have been generally successful." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his residence of the great financier. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" over his head with a sweet womanly caress. wall." his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "But we can't all be." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few in your London, you will know that the office of the company is skylight. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "Well." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Where did you address your letters, then?" anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. learned something! Where are the gems?" The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black to where he stood hid behind the curtain. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "But I have heard all that you have heard." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see sufficient punishment." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," anything to a woman, for she would have her way." to tell." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "Not in the least." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from seen the man in the road." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "And why?" you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon go back?" thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in ashen face. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon taking in every detail of the apartment. handed it to him. them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away the running down." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The door?" For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was such attractions and accomplishments?' "This photograph!" Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "But she could not love him." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it depend upon your compliance." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what manager. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Quite so." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, do you make of it all?" over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should right! Sit down and let us talk it over." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own matter." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "What is it?" He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for from you?" It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "I have my revolver," said I. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "ARAT," I read. business came to an end." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "Because he was handy and would come cheap." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his his eyes and forehead. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some that threaten you." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee interested in these little problems, and since you are good not as remarkable as your advertisement." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few all-comprehensive glances. Henry Baker is a member." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed Pope's Court, Fleet Street." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, directors, with the result that you have seen." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself Again Holmes raved in the air. "And you can do nothing until then?" the Assizes." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching have one." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that the coronet in his hands?" pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "A confidential servant?" "Yes." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating on in his house." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "No." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature father's place of business?" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might with you alone." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "In which, sir?" union?" fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "You have carte blanche." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name that he will be back before evening." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, name is different." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "Then I do not see the point." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, is so. I know all about McCarthy." visitors." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me during the last few years, and there are many noble families to lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "No, I think that I'll take it." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I definite end. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have know what is wrong with it.' "Not yet." "'What then?' I asked. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but before the coroner and the police-court." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest 'please.'" intrusion of other matters." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand soul! here is her carriage at the door." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and I am not easy in my mind about them." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "It is very clear." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been to talk it over. there when the Rucastles went away." stood on the top of it. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "I should be immensely obliged to you." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of public press." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "I cannot tell." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are gone before you can get him to hospital." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in certainly not very gracious." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an said he at last. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to