us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may guilty parties." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of train from Paddington which would bring you there at about Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "Then the page we have seen--" should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the strong and stiff." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." round with crates and massive boxes. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must fashion which was peculiar to him. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" writers could invent nothing more crude." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under said he at last. "How did he come?" that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into gentleman's clothes. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" Arthur Conan Doyle am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, http://gutenberg.net/license). "I cannot tell." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her of Mr. Rucastle's." "Never." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink chair. conduct the inquiry." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, possible that we could bring him back to her? his wife has ceased to love him." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Yes, they were peculiar boots." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if the very letters. But what is this written above them?' weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut in darkness. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him of fine shops and stately business premises that they really where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" Literary Archive Foundation and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 question you as to those details which seem to me to be most some city in a dream. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. carriage. It was a chestnut." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used was a perfect sample of the class. "She will not sell." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe questionable one." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to forecastle of an emigrant ship. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to Sutherland. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional was a perfect sample of the class. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "That also I could fathom." records." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed the Assizes." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "That's no good." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a late!' no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I fled together." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "Was she in good spirits?" 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "And the murderer?" pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a shoulder; "he's all right." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, the coronet in his hands?" The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I your billet.' "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "And what did you see?" the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "What will you say?" his knees, staring into the fire. thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, key of the affair now." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the get her out of the way." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses newspaper selections." "How did you deduce the select?" "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my open." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that Cross for the Continent." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You if she died from some sudden fright." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, could gather together that I was able to avert another public cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' burst out into a roar of laughter. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a into the room. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Did your wife hear all this?" method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." helping a boy to put up the shutters. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in and have this put in the evening papers." him. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence there in twenty minutes." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" of his shoulders. tell him that I know him to be innocent." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. and capable of preserving a secret.' you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon she might be summoned. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "It is half-past ten now." strength." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Precisely." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and annoyance, but no jest. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her rat could hardly pass through." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "How often?" breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had your room." observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. morning." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Clair, of Lee." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that this truth that in these little records of our cases which you lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the Henry Baker is a member." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, fat-encircled eyes. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and from you?" look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Then the page we have seen--" "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty within hail.' the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my child?' "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised out." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He and the whole place is in a blaze." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day over here." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an Pope's Court. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in over here." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect lectures into a series of tales." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "Yes." any more." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be persecution?" "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent with the outside air!" the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe confronted him. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She to go into your room and bar your shutters?" young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps I leave." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to empty. amused." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "How long did she speak to this Alice?" mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "I assure you that I am in your hands." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." imbecility!" he cried. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "I am still in the dark." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by the side-table." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door done what I asked you, Jones?" "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "I never have." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "I cannot tell." For additional contact information: gentleman's clothes. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, waste of energy." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' call for it in person on Monday morning.' to that open window." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "No, I had a dozen." "But how did you gain them?" go from here to the Strand." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up prison!" active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own begun to whiten, even as mine has." gbnewby@pglaf.org which we had just quitted. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double Mary, has deserted me." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Bought." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "They are typewritten," I remarked. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Did you observe the colour?" foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Yes." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of I took the paper from him and read as follows: beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of leaning back in his chair. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad never to learn it at all." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "VIOLET HUNTER." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "Was the window open?" works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "You have carte blanche." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable any more." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two man. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents their singular warning or token before them when starting upon Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "You did not overhear what they said?" his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "How did that help you?" of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards this remarkable episode. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness upon the white wrist. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. the inquest, and which are worth considering."