"But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them cheerful." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every locked." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." visitors." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in have got?" impression behind it as though a window had gently closed unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do business?" here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" open." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which certainly do as you advise." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual to take care of herself." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a to tell." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "They are typewritten," I remarked. bonnet, and went out." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "Holmes, the busybody!" lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "And how did you verify them?" weapon." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and at my own good fortune. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, the one as in the other." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is congenial hunt. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the in a very precise fashion." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she rooms." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue it were putty." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted of campaign. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, lost his Christmas dinner." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "'In my own bureau.' "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "But how did you gain them?" statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing triumphant cloud from his cigarette. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. and the whole place is in a blaze." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO The summons was a brief and urgent one. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my to change my dress. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "I was mad--insane." point in the dark hollow of his hand. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived electronic works At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. to-night?" I asked. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several mysterious business." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such who was a member of your goose club." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "And did you observe any change in her then?" would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows lids now and glanced across at his visitor. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the with you?" and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I John Swain, of St. Augustine. Street. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given during which he might have communicated with his friend the Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." these bleak autumnal evenings." fashion which was peculiar to him. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so mystery!" "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "Your sister is dead, then?" her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "And now?" He raised his hand. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open said he. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "Well, but China?" you, my dear young lady?' may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw DISSOLVED. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards have I gained?" "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his clanging. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Get out!" said he. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" my former friend and companion. death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Where, then?" tell them apart.' horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Can I be of assistance?" is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled daring than any effort of the imagination." direction." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "'It is locked up,' I answered. past. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Yes." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but bill, which interests me deeply." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have of note-paper. It read in this fashion: having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor one which it was hard to resist. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you begin with, and I had not got mine yet." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." residence of the great financier. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your strong reason behind." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, my little problems." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We to a more successful conclusion." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "No?" I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the is four-and-twenty." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "Very much so." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." Holmes rather sternly. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported entirely devoid of interest." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "Of what day?" "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt him to be an active member of the medical profession." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do matter." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be I shall continue with my miserable story. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "No?" face and glided from the room. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are to change my dress. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry fashion which was peculiar to him. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "Never." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "Yes." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly sufficient punishment." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the his eyes and forehead. me." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, some water from a caraffe. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a pound a week." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in events, Mr. Windibank!" knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "Ah!" ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in DAMAGE. myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "'And the work?' of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "His face fell immediately. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert this Miss Turner." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Well, it is a possible supposition." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "I will not look." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "He said that you could solve anything." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "'What would be the hours?' I asked. on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "Witness: I must still refuse. the bottom.' "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." tail." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "You heard nothing yourself last night?" has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from already referred to. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "About a month then." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "I was afraid that you were engaged." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "And what then?" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I Mrs. Toller serenely. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The deduce something from that?" were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "You heard nothing yourself last night?" they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. such person." Holmes rather sternly. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found promised to bring home. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "And how did you verify them?" forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "What do you make of that, Watson?" "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret said he. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. the salesman. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked call for protection in the marriage market, for the present my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of and your relations to her." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "The Coroner: What do you mean? home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is Arthur Conan Doyle sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an