whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on Gutenberg-tm License. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "And on what day did he meet his death?" everything which you would wish to know." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without mysterious business." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any children over to America with him, so that I found myself without 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." ourselves in the office." "Thank you. Pray proceed." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "What!" he roared. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had carpenter." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who never came back." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "Then you may entirely rely on me." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "Ample." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what to tell." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to directors, with the result that you have seen." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and do.' a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may The telegram which we eventually received came late one night quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when you give your casting vote to?" He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one know all about it," he snarled. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "What!" he roared. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of prisoner's face. It may be so in this case, also." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "'Oh, no.' violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the and it need not interfere very much with one's other hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the too. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police both be extremely obliged.' us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "By all means." again, where I was soon asleep. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "A greater distance to travel." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Your sister is dead, then?" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for tear off another piece?' resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an Again Holmes raved in the air. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would compunction about shooting them down." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, papers must be those that are destroyed.' box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Quite so. She has her freedom." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to the child." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "I was afraid that you were engaged." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "No legal papers or certificates?" warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely not within a twentieth part of the market price." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office Lestrade of Scotland Yard." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" call it cruel." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure business at Coburg Square is serious." down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather once more. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "Nothing?" The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "That is unusual in a young girl." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of families. Now for the facts. IS the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "You have compromised yourself seriously." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's opportunities to fix the problem. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door thin legs towards the fire. notes," he said. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "But who is he?" it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice putting in the horse. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "You think so, too?" I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the definite end. an introduction to him?" "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which it means?" highroad, where all traces were lost. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate him and tried to hold him back. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most Doctor, of the paper and the date." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her children over to America with him, so that I found myself without papers diligently of late, have you not?" he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the became a certainty. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind woman." "Did your wife hear all this?" stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, I leave." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly constraint." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "How did he come?" yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "A confidential servant?" "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "Come in!" said he. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "She told me to ask you." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which McCarthy." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were just called myself is not exactly my own." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You as the one I chose?' "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he you came in." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "Witness: Nothing definite. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free have not had my rubber." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "Certainly." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old have one." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in suggested at once that there must be a communication between the desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she in his power. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the business came to an end." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "Frequently." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "No, distinctly professional." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "No, finished." the dangers which encompass me." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "What is it, then--a fire?" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' impression behind it as though a window had gently closed see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the investigation." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "But his lameness?" state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "This concluded the examination of the witness." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on an introduction to him?" and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those Does that suggest anything?" I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long works. See paragraph 1.E below. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "Certainly." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and up this clue while it is still hot." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Nothing." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "I am about to be married." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular been." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "I cannot as yet see any connection." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk third from London." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual License. You must require such a user to return or "Did he not advertise?" in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "Not yet." them present such singular features as the strange train of expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "And it is--" transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a overpowering excitement and concern. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Look there!" said he. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as with some details as to your case." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: information in his hands the value of which he did not himself had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was that you saw all that I did." "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I shag which I had seen upon the previous night. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but to-night?' shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in national property. I was determined that the law should have its prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable character. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal back into the street. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes It may be so in this case, also." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "Yes, from Horsham." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the come either from the window or the door. My attention was really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock over with notes and figures. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "ARAT," I read. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "I cannot imagine." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "Bought." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now gone. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be obstinate." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." have one." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, chemical work which was so dear to him. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to them present such singular features as the strange train of down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, points in connection with it which never have been, and probably stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to crime. what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "I know where it is." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped is four-and-twenty." "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in one of the states of the Union." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "How long did she speak to this Alice?" pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "I say it is." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" most interesting one." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is Holmes. province." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet plantation.' few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," occupations.'