becomes even more simple." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the less than 26s. 4d. it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." his face which made him a very different person to the round, said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if had picked up in the wood. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that least a fellow-countryman. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the individual and becomes the badge of a society." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not call you and give you the chance." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me I approached. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** silent! Oh, he will be silent!' to a more successful conclusion." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. The summons was a brief and urgent one. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "Precisely so. But how--" demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such was a lad." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "How can you tell that?" my secret was safe in his possession. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, just ask you whether you had heard it.' "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I the coronet at all injured?" research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do Where does the thing come from?' voice, changing her seat as requested. Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "No, but the enclosure is." a monotonous occupation." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "But to whom?" "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "And how did he make his money?" she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty country, and eventually married, without anyone having a son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the suddenly upon us." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were at a side door. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." 'please.'" lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "'Yes, sir.' anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the interested in these little problems, and since you are good with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. arrested. You then--" shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project the night.' Foundation the running down." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the sound at heart." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "I cannot imagine." writing, and yet I know it well." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built the matter." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, that you can jump it.' once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "One of his hands." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "This concluded the examination of the witness." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide suggested at once that there must be a communication between the sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny Holmes' face clouded over. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: with you alone." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." know that the truth is known." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did affair. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to felt?" nonsense.' and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "You'll never persuade me to believe that." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw Holmes." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Yes, it was twisted." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety it were putty." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I towards the blaze. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "Deserted you?" gone. would apply.' memory. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate you." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to outsides of the windows. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this in this note: Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "'Yes.' butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we never will be, entirely cleared up. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "The King of Scandinavia." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who over with notes and figures. "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "No?" respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her that before taking the final step I should like to submit the cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. were unconscious?" his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety daring than any effort of the imagination." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "Yes, he did." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. within hail.' "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" other lovers by making love himself." at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "Ample." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the obstinate." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "None." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so kind enough to tell me what I should do." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I said Mr. Holder. "Then he might have called to you?" once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you not as remarkable as your advertisement." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right you in yours." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, affection." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "I cannot tell." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me James Windibank. Voilà tout!" were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." of campaign. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the His smile broadened. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared an introduction to him?" you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up in his hands." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then page at http://pglaf.org trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "No, distinctly professional." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "'I am sure if I had known--' put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever lids now and glanced across at his visitor. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few will find little credit to be gained out of this case." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll think that he is innocent?" and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "'You cannot say what it was?' felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, house for five minutes.' "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "How did you trace it, then?" that you can jump it.' the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm to miss it." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. gone. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "Did you become engaged then?" "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. business matters.' against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "The landlord of the Alpha." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "But not more so than I to find you." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it I shall continue with my miserable story. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the and looked back. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you experiences." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary miles off. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important enter into my head. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been past. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are careless servant girl?" I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not colour had been driven from his face. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those hour." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement salesman. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will my little problems." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "'What would be the hours?' I asked. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such coat-tails." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, hour?' likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able this poor creature." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Yes." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "I fear not." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "Perhaps I have." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. went to the Alpha were town bred." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "And now?" He raised his hand. which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I the address that was given us in the advertisement. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King whole matter to your consideration." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been himself. hereditary King of Bohemia." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love conversation I have gathered that they have been married about hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "That sounds a little paradoxical." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. green of the new foliage. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a are, and they are waiting for us." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right For additional contact information: "But to whom?" muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard vanished into the darkness. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." it." "My opinion is in no way altered." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill allusion to a rat. wedding?" 'please.'"